1.       Please refer to the sample entries to get a sense of what should be included. Although the structure of each entry will vary according to its length and type (biographical, conceptual, etc.), most entries will consist of a definition, explanation, development and details, and examples. This is the common “pyramid structure” used in many encyclopedias. The first few sentences clearly describe and define the topic and explain why it is important to the subject of the encyclopedia. Next sentences provide more basic information: many readers may stop here. Succeeding paragraphs proceed logically, treating the topic in more detail. (Example: a biographical entry would list the life dates of the subject, nationality, as well as other basic facts, including why the subject is significant to the encyclopedia’s subject. Following sentences would treat the subject’s life and achievements, most likely in chronological order.) You will want to put into your entry the kinds of information you would expect to find if you looked it up in an encyclopedia. Make every word count. At the bottom of your file, after the entry itself, please type in your name and affiliation, cross-references (see also’s), and a brief list of further readings and references.

2. Subheads should be used in the longer entries to organize your content. Format: top-level subheads (example: THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS) should be in all caps, second-level subheads should capitalize only the first letters of nouns and adjectives (example: Documentation of the Crime Scene).

3. Graphics (figures, tables, halftones). Most entries will not require graphics. If you do believe that a figure or table is appropriate for your entry, please follow these guidelines.

All line art must be delivered as camera-ready and, if possible, in an electronic format. Camera-ready line art should be clean, sharp, and free of any defects or unwanted blemishes. SAGE accepts line art in a number of different formats, such as Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop, QuarkExpress, or PageMaker. Simple line art can even be created in Word and PowerPoint. If you have any questions about the suitability of the software you are using to create line art, please contact the volume editor.

Think of tables as artwork. Gather tables into a separate electronic file so that they can more easily be typeset. Use the table feature in Word to create tables.

Placing the artwork in the manuscript: Number figures to correspond with their in-text references. Please do not embed electronic graphics in text; gather them instead in separate art files. Insert callouts in text that indicate approximately where each figure should be placed (e.g., “FIGURE 2 ABOUT HERE”).

Halftones (black-and-white photographs): If your project is to be illustrated, we appreciate suggestions, although we may not be able to use your photographs. Please send them as black-and-white or color prints or transparencies. Those that we use will be scanned at a density optimal for our printers. Do not scan photographs yourself. Do not trim the photo, use paper clips with photos, mark with a ballpoint pen or hard lead pencil, or mark your photos with Post-it notes. Instead, mark on the back with a soft lead pencil, china-marking pencil, or soft felt-tip pen.

Previously published artwork: if you choose to use artwork that has been previously published, we prefer that you send the original art. If you cannot do so, send the cleanest, sharpest copy possible. Remember, any table or figure directly reproduced requires permission. Tables or figures that have been adapted probably will not require permission but are subject to evaluation by SAGE. (Note: “Adapted” means that you have added your own material to the original work to extend or expand an idea, and not merely “edited” down or rearranged the work.) Remember that if you do not own the rights to the art you want, you must first secure written permission to reprint it.

4. Cross-references (example: “See also Audition; Deafness; Perception”) to other entries in the encyclopedia should be placed after the entry, before the “further readings and references.” Cross-references should appear only when such a reference would amplify the understanding of the reader.

5. Further readings and references: At the end of your text, you will need to include a list of references that you feel are key to your entry’s topic. These can best be thought of as “further readings,” rather than traditional bibliography. Items in the further readings list should be alphabetized by author. How many to include? Generally, 3-4 items for short and medium-length entries and 6-8 items for longer entries. Another rule of thumb: one reference per manuscript page.

6. In-text citations such as “we have learned that ….(Burns 2001, 45)” are to be avoided. Limit them to the citation of direct quotations. Your “further readings and references” list should include the full bibliographic details for any in-text citation.

7. Permissions: Be aware that you may need to secure permission from the copyright holder to quote, reprint, or adapt works or portions of works from other sources (e.g., published books and journals, poetry, song lyrics, quotations from unpublished works, and tables and figures). Follow the “fair use” doctrine (see Chicago Manual of Style or http://www.sagepub.com/) for details on when to seek reprint permission.