TRAM Submission Guidelines

  1. What should I submit?
  2. Can’t I just mail it to your personal email?
  3. What’s the format for submissions?
  4. What about images?
  5. Are you going to censor me?
  6. How firm is this deadline?
  7. What’s the deal with the cover art?
  8. Shouldn’t you have some kind of disclaimer?

What should I submit?^

The TRAM accepts all kinds of submissions–fiction, reviews, artwork, commentary, photography, yellow journalism, random musings, sonnets, manifestos, etc. If you can email it, we can work with it.

Can’t I just mail it to your personal email?^

All submissions should be mailed to tram AT toyama.press.ajet.net. As much as I’d love to hear from you at my personal email address, submissions directed there might be lost in the shuffle of everything else. If you just have text (no pictures or other attachments), you can use this easy submission form.

What’s the format for submissions?^

Loose. Word doc, google doc, text, in the body of the email, whatever. I’ll try to stay faithful to your formatting, but if you have loads of colors/fonts/sizes–expect it to be toned down. Please no PDFs. I hate those things.

What about images?^

This is important.  Attach the file for each image you want included, even if you’ve already inserted it into a Word or google document.

Are you going to censor me?^

Probably not. If your submission:

  • contains images of or personal information about minors, please contact me well ahead of the deadline to arrange obtaining permission from guardians.
  • is abusive towards another member of our community, you will receive an email from me with editing suggestions.
  • discloses your Japanese law-breaking activities, you will receive an email from me explaining how the internet works.

How firm is this deadline?^

All submissions must be submitted by midnight of the 25th of each month. Much like King Solomon, I am wise and fair, and I will consider late submissions on a case-by-case basis. That being said, your general expectation for late submissions should be to see your work in the TRAM a month later than you had hoped for.

What’s the deal with the cover art?^

Here are some guidelines:

  • Your art must represent the tram–the awesome streetcar that lends a special character to the streets of Toyama-ken. How you do that is up to you: photography, pen & ink, MS Paint, found objects, cheese on toast, etc. are all fantastic. Scan or photograph your art, if necessary.
  • It is not required, but you are encouraged to include the words “The TRAM” somewhere on your image. If you do not, it will be added before posting to the site. You may also add the month and year, but please check with me first to see when we’ll be using your work.
  • Send me the highest quality image possible.
  • If you are planning a piece that would only be appropriate for one month (hanami tram, christmas tram, etc), please let me know well in advance of the submission deadline.

Shouldn’t you have some kind of disclaimer?^

Indeed. By submitting your work to the TRAM, you agree to allow The TRAM and Toyama AJET to use your work for non-commercial purposes.