Contributor Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the International Musician. We welcome submissions from our members and value the unique perspectives they bring to our community. Please review these guidelines before submitting your work.

General Guidelines

• The International Musician is the official journal of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM).
• Contributions will only be considered from current AFM members in good standing with their local.
• Submissions will be reviewed by the International Musician Editorial Board which meets monthly.
• While we value the effort and perspective, submitting a piece does not guarantee publication. The editor is not required to give feedback or reasons for rejecting a submission.
• The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions for style, clarity, length, and content.

Feedback / Letters to the Editor

The Feedback section is for comments or opinions regarding articles previously published in the International Musician. Submissions must be received within the month the original article was published.

• Content: Must clearly indicate the original published content that is being commented on. We do not accept repeat submissions from one contributor on the same topic.
• Word Count: Do not exceed 300 words.
• Submission Format: Please send by email to IM@afm.org with “Feedback” in the subject line, include your name and AFM local number.

Op-ed Editorial Policy

Op-eds are opinion pieces that provide a strong, well-reasoned argument on a topic relevant to the music community. They should aim to spark constructive dialogue and offer solutions to challenges.

• Content: Submissions should focus on a single, timely topic of importance to AFM members. We encourage pieces that go beyond merely identifying a problem and instead offer a clear call to action or a solution.
• Tone: The tone should be respectful and persuasive, not inflammatory. We do not allow personal attacks; please focus your argument on current issues.
• Supporting Evidence: While op-eds are opinion-based, they must be supported by facts, data, and logic. You are encouraged to acknowledge and respectfully address counterarguments to strengthen your own position.
• Word Count: Op-eds must be between 450 and 600 words.
• Submission: Please email op-eds to IM@afm.org with “Op-ed Submission” in the subject line; include your name, title, and AFM local number.

Member Updates / Profile Submissions

Submissions should highlight the member’s career accomplishments and special projects, with a focus on the positive aspects of their union membership and the benefits of belonging to the AFM.

• Format: Submissions must be written in the third person and should focus on a specific theme, rather than being a full biography.
• Photo Requirements: You are responsible for providing at least one high-resolution photo (minimum 300 dpi at three inches for print) of the subject, preferably with their instrument. You must secure permission from the photographer and provide photo credit.
• Word Count: Op-eds must be between 250 and 350 words.

Submission: Please email to IM@afm.org with “Member Submission” in the subject line, include your name and AFM local number.

New Releases / Recordings under AFM Contract

The International Musician wants to recognize the recording projects from AFM members in good standing. To qualify, your project must be covered under an AFM agreement.

Learn more at: https://internationalmusician.org/new-releases/

Thank you for helping us make the International Musician a valuable resource for AFM members.