Information for Friends’ members and article authors
Magna Magazine
The purpose of Magna is to highlight the rich and extensive diversity of archive material held at The National Archives, Kew. Magna may also include material from and reference to archives held elsewhere but the main focus is Kew.
In 2022, Magna was issued in May and November.
In 2023, we plan to produce one bumper issue of Magna in July.
Next edition
Our 2023 Magna edition will be issued in July 2023. The editorial deadline for articles to be sent to the editor@ftna.org.uk is Friday 3 April 2023.
Guidance and ‘House Style’ rules for Magna articles – please read all guidelines carefully
Several authors, past and present, have expressed the view that some guidance on ‘House Style’ rules would aid the writing of articles for the Friends’ magazine. To this end, we have produced two guidance documents which are available for download, part 1 here and part 2 here (version 5) and these should be read in conjunction with the guidance in the rest of this section. If you have any queries, please contact editor@ftna.org.uk. Please see above for editorial deadline dates.
The sole criteria for article content is that it should be based on archival records held at The National Archives (TNA), Kew, or linked to other archives. All references/evidence should be from mainly primary sources at TNA, although archival sources from linked archives and secondary references can also be used, where appropriate.
As a general guideline, the word count should be between a minimum of 1000 words and a maximum of 3700 words (including endnotes), and articles should be presented without contractions (unless within a quote) or sub-headings. Copy (text) should be written from a balanced and objective standpoint, in semi-detached tone, and opinion should be supported by evidential source/reference. Any photographic and pictorial content should be of high resolution and supplied by the author with full references and copyright clearance. Arrangements will be made to upload all files.
- IMPORTANT: Images may be submitted in black and white or colour. The obtaining of copyright permission rests with the author and not the Editor of the Friends of The National Archives. Images are accepted on the basis that copyright issues have been resolved and that no infringement shall occur through publication.
- IMPORTANT: It is noted in Magna magazine that views expressed in Magna are those of the authors and not necessarily those of FTNA.
- IMPORTANT: Authors should ensure that within their article they credit ALL persons and/or organisations that may have played a part in providing any details contained therein.
Please note: Budgeting for space is always difficult, so for the July 2023 Magna edition, would any member/author wishing to contribute an article to the magazine, please contact the editor@ftna.org.uk at least three calendar months before the editorial deadline (shown above), in order to confirm details of their edition place, and again at least two calendar months before the editorial deadline to confirm their material.
Article Library
We now have an article library accessible from the members’ area of the website. This will hold indexed articles by members that it has not been possible to include within the limited space of the Magna magazines. Anyone interested in contributing to the library should contact the editor@ftna.org.uk.
