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Submissions FAQ

What should I know before getting started?

The mission of Military Images is to showcase, interpret and preserve the unique visual record of early military photography. Since 1979, MI has been devoted to the study of the American soldier and sailor as seen in period photographs.

What time period does MI cover?

Our focus is the Civil War era. We publish stories from the antebellum and post-war periods that connect to the Civil War. For example, the commemorate the World War I centennial, we published a gallery of Civil War veterans posed with Doughboys.

Who can contribute?

There is however room for all on the pages of MI—from academic historians to longtime contributors to individuals seeking to make their first submission.

What does MI publish?

  • Analysis of period photos as to unique content, subject, and background.
  • Analysis of uniforms, equipment, and insignia as seen in photos.
  • Biographies of common soldiers (enlisted men and junior officers), illustrated with original, wartime photos of the subject. Popular formats include daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, cartes de visite, and stereoviews.
  • Unit histories on the company, regimental, and brigade level. Narratives should emphasize tactics, action, and relevant details about the soldiers who served in these organizations. Related photos must be included.
  • Photo galleries composed of images from an individual collector.
  • Photo galleries with specific themes. Examples include Union cavalrymen, North Carolina Confederates, Zouaves, Buffalo soldiers, and Civil War sailors.
  • Letters and diaries accompanied by a photo or photos of the writer in uniform.
  • Profiles of veteran organizations and related photos.
  • Articles about 19th century photography technology, techniques, preservation, restoration, acquisition, etc.
  • Book reviews

What doesn’t MI publish?

  • Broad-brush accounts of generals, campaigns and battles.
  • Images of re-enactors, reenactments, and other contemporary photos.

Any conditions?

MI reserves first rights worldwide, and also the right to run photos and articles in whole or part on militaryimagesmagazine-digital.com and social media.

If I submit, does it automatically appear in the magazine?

No. Your submission will be carefully reviewed by the editor of MI, and considered for inclusion in a future quarterly issue. MI receives far more material than can be published on the pages of the magazine, and therefore not everything can be included.

If my submission is accepted, what happens next?

  • If you submitted an article, you will be contacted by the editor. This will begin a formal editing process that will include up to several rounds of editing, and rewriting as necessary. You’ll need to be prepared to answer questions, and respond to suggested revisions by the editor and copy editors. The most common edits are made for grammar and consistency with AP Style. In some cases, revisions to the structure of an article may be included.
  • If you submitted a photo, it will be reviewed by MI’s senior editors. They will comment on unique aspects of the image, and the information that they provide may be incorporated into the caption.

Is there a limit in the number of images or stories I may submit?

No! MI is always seeking material, especially unpublished images.

What happens after my submission is published?

You’ll receive an email from the editor informing you of the fact. You will also have the opportunity to request a print and digital copy of the magazine as a thank you from MI for your submission.

Deadlines?

Submissions must be received by the following dates to be considered for inclusion. Earlier submissions have a better chance of being published in the targeted issue. Submitting by these dates does not guarantee publication in the next issue.

  • Winter: September 1 (sent to press Nov. 15)
  • Spring: January 1 (sent to press March 1)
  • Summer: April 1 (sent to press June 1)
  • Autumn: July 1 (sent to press Sept. 1)