A Word about Contributing to Feature Articles:

SDM Magazine’s Editorial Calendar may be found here. It is the framework from which our monthly feature article well is created. With very few exceptions, feature articles are written by professional journalists using a number and variety of sources.

Feature articles inform and educate SDM’s subscribers through broad and objective research and reporting. If you would like to suggest a qualified source that our writers may interview, please contact the Editor three months in advance of publication date.

In addition to feature articles, here are some of the other opportunities for your company to contribute to SDM Magazine’s editorial content.

SDM INSIDER NEWS & BUSINESS

Send us your press releases or give us a call with a news tip! Some reasons for sending a news release or calling are:

• an acquisition or merger;
• a new direction or mission for your company;
• changes in distribution, resulting in new ways for the dealer/integrator to purchase your products;
• a new marketing program, contest, or promotion that involves the dealer/integrator;
• high-level personnel appointments.
• Length: Maximum 10 paragraphs
• Include a photo. Formats for photographic images are high-resolution, jpeg, at 300 dpi or greater. Color or B&W photos are acceptable. Web screen captures cannot be used.

Send news releases/photos to:

Sabrina Gasulla, Associate Editor, at gasullas@bnpmedia.com

SDM PRODUCTS & SERVICES                                              

Send us your press releases! We publish product descriptions monthly in SDM Products & Services.

• Limit the product description to approximately 300 words.
• Describe the product/system and its purpose; to whom it is sold (dealers, integrators, distributors, end-users, etc.), and how it may be used (applications). Describe the product’s features and primary specifications, and what makes this product unique.
• Include your company’s name, address, telephone, Web site, and contact person.
• Include a photo. Formats for photographic images are high-resolution, jpeg, at 300 dpi or greater. Color or B&W photos are acceptable. Web screen captures cannot be used.

Send product releases/photos to:

Laura Stepanek, Editor, at stepanekl@bnpmedia.com

Editorial Guidelines

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SKILLS  (Tech Briefs)

Consider the opportunity to gain exposure of your company’s technical capabilities by contributing to Technology Solutions & Skills — our longest-running and one of our most popular departments. Technology today is more complex and more capable, but perhaps less understood by the average reader because it is based on computer/network technology – a new area for dealers. Consider contributing an article about the following subject matter. Articles should be educational and appeal to a broad audience:

• Technology exposed – news about innovative new technology;
• Manufacturer partnerships;
• Tech support news;
• Training and education;
• White papers;
• New product lines;
• Products obtaining UL listings or other approvals.
• Game Changers – 300-600 Words written by an expert source technically describing how a breaking/new technology works to readers. It does not advocate the technology, it explains it.

Articles in Technology Solutions & Skills can range from 100 words to 600 words. Graphics — either hand-drawn or computer-generated — are encouraged to help illustrate and explain

Send press releases or article ideas to:

Heather Klotz-Young, Senior Editor, at klotz-youngh@bnpmedia.com

TECHNOLOGY @ WORK (Case Studies)

SDM will consider publishing in-the-field case studies in the monthly department, Technology @ Work. These articles highlight the application of a specific product or system, as installed by a security dealer/integrator. Consider these requirements:

• The story must be submitted to SDM on an exclusive basis.
• The product/system must have been installed by a security company or systems integrator, who should be available for an interview, if necessary.
• The article must focus on the application and how it met the end-user’s needs, as well as the integrator’s experience with it.
• Length: 650 words (1-page article)/1,300 words (2-page article).
• Supply at least two photographs. Formats for photographic images are high-resolution, jpeg, at 300 dpi or greater. Color is preferred. Web screen captures cannot be used.

Send inquiries about case studies to:

Heather Klotz-Young, Senior Editor, at klotz-youngh@bnpmedia.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who should I contact when I have breaking news?

A: Call or e-mail SDM’s Associate Editor, Sabrina Gasulla, at 847-405-4064.  Or email Sabrina at gasullas@bnpmedia.com.

Q: Who should I contact with an idea for an article?

A: Call or e-mail the Editor. Be prepared to discuss the significance of your idea, the intended audience, subtopics, and timing of the article’s publication.

Q: How far in advance do editors work on feature articles?

A: Typically, editors work on feature articles about three months in advance of publication. For example, a feature article that appears in the January issue would have been completed by about the end of October.

Q: Can I write and submit a feature article for publication?

A: Generally, no. All of SDM’s feature articles are researched and written by professional writers. This assures fair and balanced coverage, and that subjects are not covered by someone with a vested interest in that topic.  However, SDM’s writers rely on expert sources in the industry whom they can interview and quote in their articles. That creates opportunities for people at your company to be interviewed and possibly quoted on particular subjects. We may wish to call your training specialists, product managers, marketing staff, or executives from time to time to acquire background information or direct quotes. Contact the Editor to offer sources and contacts for articles.

Q: How can I get more coverage for my company?

A: We offer a variety of opportunities — in both print and electronic media — for you to convey your company’s message to SDM’s audience of security dealers and systems integrators. Those messages might include straightforward background about your company’s products and services, technology developments, new product introductions, a new direction in how you approach the market, training programs, etc. Contact the Editor with any specific questions regarding contributing to departments or articles.

Q: Who should I send press releases to?

A: Press releases should be sent to the Associate Editor. Electronic media is the preferred format, including high-resolution images, or links to images.

Q: Can I meet with the editors at a trade show?

A: Yes, we appreciate the opportunity to get to know you — your product or service, your objectives, and the message you want to communicate to the market. To set up an appointment at any show or event, contact the Editor.

Q: Do your editors have any research that would help me better understand the industry?

A: Much of SDM’s research is available online. We recommend that you check out our annual Industry Forecast, the SDM 100 report of the largest security dealers, and the Top Systems Integrators report. Contact any editor if you have questions about our Web site