Contributing to Optimize (FAQs)
Who Contributes to Optimize?
Optimize is written in a peer-to-peer format - Optimize's unique editorial team works with subject matter experts to bring real-world experience and new ideas to C-level executives, giving them the tools they need to fulfill the changing role of the CIO. A Who's Who of thought-leaders from business, government, consulting, technology, and academia, Optimize's subject matter experts provide unparalleled perspectives, outlining the latest ideas and strategies in key organizational disciplines.
Optimize's subject matter experts include C-level executives of Fortune 1000 companies, scholars and academics, authors and researchers. Recent Optimize contributors include Rob Carter, EVP & CIO, FedEx; Robert DeRodes, CIO, Home Depot; C.K. Prahalad, Professor and Author, University of Michigan Business School; Stan Davis, Research Fellow, Ernst & Young for Business Innovation; Regis McKenna, Founder, Regis McKenna Inc, and many others.
What Are The Format Requirements?
Articles submitted for any of the 11 "disciplines" (Business Leadership, Business Management, Collaborative Strategies, Corporate Culture, Contemporary Ethics, Global Issues, Financial Management, Optimal Marketing, ROI Valuation, Customer Relationships and Understanding Law) are generally between 1,500 to 2,000 words, including the 90-Day Plan – a 400-700 word "sidebar" that outlines in a chronological format what steps a reader must take to begin the practical application of the idea put forth in the article (even if it’s unlikely in that timeframe to reach the ultimate goal suggested in the article). The 90-Day Plan is written in conjunction with Optimize editors who will check the plan for validity and practicality.
Contributors are also expected to supply relevant charts, tables or graphs that appropriately support the ideas in the article.
If a contributor’s article is selected for publication by the editors, their biographies and photo (color slide preferred) are required immediately. Please mail to Sacha Lecca, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030 or e-mail high-resolution photos to slecca@cmp.com and indicate the article name.
Submissions for Other Visions are 750 to 1,000 words in length. These articles are written by well-known people in a peripheral field to business technology. They must demonstrate their expertise in a particular field, skill or endeavor found in business technology (teamwork, leadership, courage, creativity, humor, overcoming adversity, individualism, winning, etc.). Previous contributors have included Benjamin Netanyahu, Richard Dreyfuss, Bob Brenly and Alan Lightman.
Submissions for Mentors are 750 to 1,000 words in length. These articles are written by anyone in business technology who has an interesting story to share in which he or she learned from a mentor such as an industry consultant, a business leader or a management expert and applied the knowledge learned from this mentor in business technology. The writer should demonstrate how that mentor's advice or knowledge made a difference.
How Do I Submit An Article or Idea?
Contact any of the Optimize editors below via phone or e-mail. It’s preferred that you send articles or ideas via e-mail. Summaries of about 200 to 500 words are highly recommended instead of full articles upon initial contact.
Brian Gillooly, Editor-in Chief: bgillool@cmp.com, 703.266.1537
Patty Brown, Executive Editor, pbrown@cmp.com, 415.947.6275
Paula Klein, Managing Editor, pklein@cmp.com, 516.562.7751
What Can I Do To Maximize My Chances of Being Selected?
Innovative business ideas and strategies that include new, real-world business case information, supporting research and advance conventional wisdom on a given discipline are the components editors look for.
Must My Article Be An Exclusive to Optimize?
Yes. The writer must agree exclusively to Optimize in its competitive set of business technology and/or business publications.
What Are Your Deadlines?
First drafts of article submissions for one of the 11 disciplines must be submitted to the editors at least six weeks prior to publication.
Do You Have An Editorial Calendar?
Yes, you may access it by visiting: www.optimizemag.com/edcal/
Do You Accept Articles From IT Vendors or Service Providers?
While we do consider articles that fit the criteria above from representatives of IT vendor and/or services companies (usually CIO, CEO, or president), those articles that are primarily about a particular product, product category, or service sold or endorsed by the contributing writer’s company, or that discuss a business issue directly related to those products and/or services, do not suit the Optimize editorial charter.
What Happens to the Article Once It’s Submitted?
Among many other responsibilities, the editors of Optimize are responsible for selecting the most appropriate submissions for our readers and working with the contributing writers to align their tone and point-of-view to the Optimize readership. In addition, they edit the contributed article for style and content, search for additional research or other information that may enhance the article and generally attend the article through the publication flow. If an article is selected for publication, the contributing writer will be contacted immediately to assist in the editing process, including supplying any necessary support information such as charts or diagrams. The editors take care to maximize their contacts with the writers so there is minimal disruption over the course of the editing process.
Can I Get Reprints of My Published Article?
Reprints are available through Terry Wilmot in CMP Reprint Services. She can be reached at twilmot@cmp.com or 516.562.7081.
