Contributors: The goal of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine is to provide articles, news and information of interest to kidney patients and their families, as well as individuals and organizations in the renal health field. Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine encourages submission of articles on topics related to renal care, whether social, economic, scientific or technical. Articles may be submitted in the following categories:

• Inspirational Story – patient, family member, friend or caregiver experience article
• Diet Tips & Bits – discusses diet options and techniques beneficial to kidney disease patients
• Physician or Education Article – written by a physician discussing research, medical technology and other topics of interest to kidney disease patients
• Ask the Doctor – answers common questions regarding patient health and lifestyle

Exclusivity:Articles are accepted for publication on the condition that they are contributed solely to Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine. Authors should secure all necessary clearances and approvals prior to submission. A letter should accompany each submitted article and transfer copyright ownership with language similar to the following example:

In compliance with the Copyright Revision Act of 1976, effective Jan. 1, 1978, the undersigned author(s) transfers all copyright ownership of the manuscript, titled ____________________________, to Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine, published by the American Association of Kidney Patients, in the event the material is published.

Format:Articles should be approximately 1,000; however, quality material, not word count, is of primary importance in all cases. Articles must be typed on one side of 8-1/2 x 11 inch paper. Microsoft Word is perferred. Electronic media or IBM-compatible (1.44 MB) floppy disc are accepted. Please contact the editor of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine if utilizing a different program. Hard copy must accompany disc. Files can also be sent via e-mail to expedite delivery, hard copy should also be sent via mail.

Text format should be in 12 point Times/Times New Roman format. Each author’s full name, title and affiliation must be noted on the first or title page in precisely the form this information is to be published. One author is to be designated as the correspondent with a complete address, telephone number and e-mail address included in the cover letter. A black and white glossy or color head shot photograph of each author is encouraged but not mandatory.

Illustrations, charts, graphs, diagrams and tables must be clear and distinct, submitted unfolded and suitable for direct reproduction. They should be clearly identified with the top indicated. Captions or legends should be typed separately and attached to the associated material, no more than 50 words in length. Electronic files are accepted.

Editing: Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine reserves the right to edit all reader contributions for clarity and length. Minor changes (punctuation, spelling, grammar, syntax) will be made at the discretion of the editorial staff. Substantive changes of any nature will be verified with the author prior to publication.

Responsibility:The editorial staff of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine is not responsible for expressions of opinion or statements of fact in signed articles, editorials or correspondence. This information is the responsibility of and is published solely on the authority of the named author or interviewee.

General Policy:The above guidelines are required to achieve accurate, efficient handling of technical material; however, individuals desiring to contribute to Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine should not hesitate to make inquiries even if they are unfamiliar with procedures for writing and submitting articles. The editorial staff will be happy to process and to reply to any queries received, as well as to advise authors in the preparation of material.