We’re thrilled you’re considering contributing to Ships in Scale, the magazine for model shipbuilders of all skill levels. Whether you’re sharing a detailed build log, a modeling technique, or insights into maritime history, we aim to showcase the best of the hobby.
📌 What We’re Looking For
We publish articles across a range of topics, including:
- Build Logs – Step-by-step documentation of kit or scratch builds
- Techniques & Tools – Tips, methods, and materials used in ship modeling
- Historical Features – Articles that explore the maritime context behind a model
- Book & Product Reviews – Thoughtful takes on kits, tools, books, or reference materials
- Interviews & Profiles – Conversations with skilled modelers or community figures
Submissions must be original, unpublished, and clearly written. We welcome high-resolution photos, diagrams, or illustrations to accompany your work. Ships in Scale reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity, length, tone, and house style. Whenever feasible, substantial edits will be reviewed with the author.
✍️ Writing Style
Ships in Scale is written for a broad range of hobbyists—from beginners to experienced builders. Articles should be clear, friendly, and easy to follow. Avoid overly technical or academic language unless essential (and be sure to explain it when used). We encourage a tone that’s educational, welcoming, and conversational—imagine sharing your experience with a fellow modeler over a workbench.
We reserve the right to edit submissions for readability, clarity, length, grammar, and consistency with our house style. Substantial changes will be shared with you whenever possible.
💵 Contributor Compensation
We pay the following fees based on article type and complexity:
| Article Type | Contributor Fee (USD) |
| Short article or column (under 1,000 words) | $125 |
| Standard feature article (1,000–2,000 words) | $250 |
| In-depth or photo-heavy build log | $300 |
| Multi-part feature series (2+ installments) | $500 |
Payment is issued within 30 days of publication via PayPal, check, or ACH.
⚖️ Rights & Reuse
- We request first serial rights and 90 days of exclusivity after publication.
- After 90 days, all rights revert to you. We just ask that you credit Ships in Scale as the original publisher.
- We may republish your article in future compilations, the website archive, or for promotional use.
🛠 Submission Format
- Preferred file format: Word or Google Docs
- Include captions with all images
- Identify scale, materials, and kit manufacturer if applicable
- Keep tone informative and engaging — this is a community, not an academic journal
✉️ Submit or Ask a Question
Questions or ready to pitch your article? Contact us or complete our article suggestion form. We’re happy to review ideas before you begin writing.
Thank you for helping inspire and grow the ship modeling community!