Writer's Guidelines La Posta: The Journal of American Postal History - By Peter Martin Editor in Chief
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La Posta Writer’s Guidelines 1
La Posta:
The Journal of
American Postal History
Writer’s
Guidelines
By Peter Martin
Editor in Chief
La Posta Publications
POB 6074
Fredericksburg, VA 22403
www.lapostapub.com
2 La Posta Writer’s Guidelines © 2019 by Peter Martin All Rights Reserved. First Printing: January 2019 Printed in the United States of America.
La Posta Writer’s Guidelines 3
La Posta:
The Journal of
American Postal History
Writer’s Guidelines
Table of Contents
La Posta Publications................................................... 5
La Posta: The Journal of American Postal History..... 5
La Posta Scope............................................................... 6
La Posta Style................................................................. 6
Article Submissions....................................................... 6
Illustrations.................................................................... 8
Endnotes/References....................................................... 8
Article Proofs................................................................. 9
Rights and Permissions.............................................. 10
Author Honorariums.................................................... 10
La Posta Website........................................................... 10
Tips to Remember......................................................... 11
La Posta Annual Awards for Authors.......................... 12
La Posta Editors............................................................ 13
Article Deadlines........................................................... 14
Article Submission Address......................................... 14
4 La Posta Writer’s Guidelines
Vol. 50, No. 1
Whole Number 277
First Quarter 2019
La Posta:
The Journal of
American Postal History
A Case Study of the Demise of the West
Portland, Oregon, Fourth Class Post Office
OUR 51ST YEAR OF PUBLISHING AMERICAN POSTAL HISTORY — 1969-2019
www.lapostapub.comLa Posta Writer’s Guidelines 5
La Posta Publications
La Posta Publications publishes La subjects not found anywhere else. La Posta
Posta: The Journal of American Postal production is top notch, with full color on
History, an independent quarterly journal coated pages and with a perfect binding.
devoted exclusively to the subject of La Posta was entered in the 2018
American postal history. StampShow and Chicagopex Literature
The journal was founded by Richard Exhibitions and received Large Golds, the
“Bill” Helbock in 1969 and, in 2018, highest medal level, from the two major
celebrated 50 years of continuous production. literature exhibitions in North America.
Helbock, who retired to Australia, died in La Posta was the only philatelic journal to
2011 and Peter Martin was chosen to replace receive this recognition from both juries.
him as editor. Martin purchased La Posta La Posta has always been supported by a
Publications, which included the journal, strong fan base of leading postal historians.
from Helbock’s widow in 2013. The renewal rate has continuously been
La Posta is one of the few independent near 90 per cent and many subscribers pay
philatelic publications in North American more than the $35 annual subscription price
and is the largest subscriber-based journal to support the journal. More than half of
in that category. subscribers have been with the journal for
Each 64-page quarterly issue features more than 20 years.
a variety of the more than 50 different To recognize its authors, La Posta
aspects of American postal history written sponsors two annual awards. The Richard
by the leading postal history researchers, W. Helbock Prize, established in 2012, is
collectors, and dealers. awarded to the best postal history article
From town postal histories, Prexies, appearing in the previous year’s La Posta:
and expositions, to Civil War, auxiliary The Journal of American Postal History.
markings, modern contract stations and The Charles A. Fricke Small Bites
social philately you’ll find a cornucopia of Award, established in 2016, is for the best
original research, new finds and detailed one- or two-page article appearing in the
information about interesting and complex previous year’s La Posta.6 La Posta Writer’s Guidelines
La Posta Scope
La Posta: The Journal of American without a central postal history element are
Postal History seeks philatelic articles generally not accepted.
related to all aspects of North American Previously published material, unless
postal history, including mail related to substantially changed or updated, or from a
military units, American territories and publication with a very limited readership,
Canada. is not solicited.
While related history is often included Simultaneous submissions will be
in article submissions, history articles considered on an individual basis.
La Posta Style
The primary style reference used for La For articles related to the Confederate
Posta is the Chicago Manual of Style, 16th States, Scott catalog numbers for
Edition (with slight modifications), a style Confederate stamps are identified as “CSA
guide for American English published since Scott 10.”
1906 by the University of Chicago Press. CSA Catalog numbers are identified as
The first reference for spelling, usage “CSA 10” for stamps and as “CSA Catalog
and foreign geographical names is Webster’s Type WD-OD-04,” for a postal history
New World College Dictionary, Fourth example.
Edition. For aircraft names use Jane’s All the
Stamp identification should be from the World’s Aircraft, Surrey, U.K.; For military
Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States ships use Jane’s Fighting Ships, Surrey
Stamps and Covers, published annually by U.K.; for nonmilitary ships use the IHS
Amos Media. Fariplay Register of Ships, Surrey, U.K.
Article Submissions
Article submissions may be made For the font, 12-point Times or Times
by anyone interested in American postal New Roman is preferred. Do not imbed any
history. images in Microsoft Word files.
Internet submissions via e-mail with Text submissions should be organized
attachments are preferred. Alternatively, as follows:
submissions on a CD, DVDR, or thumb 1. Author contact information
drive are acceptable. 2. Suggested title or slug
Typed manuscripts may also be 3. Byline
submitted, but handwritten submissions 4. The manuscript
cannot be accommodated. 5. Sidebars (if any)
6. References (if any)
The preferred submission format for text
7. Endnotes (if any)
is Microsoft Word, although other formats, 8. Brief author biography
including .rtf, .txt and searchable PDFs, are 9. Captions in numerical order
usually acceptable. 10. Tables in numerical order (if any)La Posta Writer’s Guidelines 7
1. Author Contact Information 5. Sidebars
In the upper right corner of the first page A sidebar is a short article dealing with
of all submissions, the author should place: a sidelight of the main manuscript. Sidebars
• Name can be used to discuss in detail a specific part
• Preferred mailing address of the manuscript that organizationally does
(POB or street, city, state, ZIP) not fit well or they can provide additional
• E-mail address background about a specific part of the
• Phone number manuscript.
Usually, the information in sidebars is
The name provided will be the one not essential to the article, but complements
used in the article byline. One professional it.
title (i.e., Ph.D., M.D.) may be used in the
byline. Honorary titles are not used. 6-7 References and Endnotes
The mailing address will be the one to If authors refer to, or rely upon, someone
which the complimentary copies are sent. else’s information or images, provide
The e-mail address will be the one to appropriate credit in the form of references,
which PDF article proofs are sent. a bibliography, endnotes or photo credits.
The phone number will be used only in References, bibliographies and
the event that the author has to be contacted. endnotes should follow the format in Kate
If submissions on paper are made, be L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of
sure to include the author name and page Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
number at the top of each page. (University of Chicago Press), which is
based upon the Chicago Manual of Style.
2. Suggested Title or Slug A bibliography or references list
Authors may suggest an article title or identifies the sources used in writing the
use a slug to identify the manuscript. This article — not necessarily every work
should be centered at the top of the first examined but those that were found relevant.
page. Citations for personal correspondence
or e-mails should be avoided, as readers will
3. Byline not normally have access to these sources.
The author byline should be listed For Internet references, the complete
following the title. It should be the same URL (Internet address) should be cited,
as the name provided in the author contact along with the date the page was accessed.
information. One professional title (i.e., Endnotes must be sequentially numbered
Ph.D., M.D.) may be used in the byline. with no repeating numbers.
Note that, depending upon the program
4. Manuscript and the formatting, sometimes the endnote
The manuscript should follow the byline. numbering and citations are “lost” when the
Manuscripts, and all other text, should be manuscript is submitted.
single spaced with one space after a period, To ensure your endnotes are received,
or other punctuation. it is best to include a PDF version of the
Do not send drafts. Send only the final manuscript.
manuscript. Examples of a basic listing of each are8 La Posta Writer’s Guidelines
shown below. Note the organization, name arrangement and punctuation used.
Endnotes Bibliography/References
Book Book
1. John L. Kay and Chester M. Smith Kay, John L., and Smith Jr., Chester
Jr., New York Postal History: The Post M. New York Postal History: The Post
Offices and First Postmasters from 1775 Offices and First Postmasters from 1775
to 1980 (State College, Pa.: The American to 1980. State College, Pa.: The American
Philatelic Society, 1982), pp. 10-12. Philatelic Society, 1982.
Catalog Catalog
2. Patricia A. Kaufmann, Francis Kaufmann, Patricia A.; Crown
J. Crown Jr., and Jerry S. Palazolo, Jr., Francis J.; and Palazolo, Jerry S.
Confederate States of America Catalog Confederate States of America Catalog
and Handbook of Stamps and Postal and Handbook of Stamps and Postal
History (Sumter, S.C.: Confederate Stamp History. Sumter, S.C.: Confederate Stamp
Alliance, 2012), p. 36. Alliance, 2012.
Article Article
3. Jesse I. Spector, M.D., “Professor Spector, Jesse I., M.D. “Professor
Jewett Castello Gilson and Gilson Jewett Castello Gilson and Gilson
Planet 11006,” La Posta: The Journal of Planet 11006.” La Posta: The Journal of
American Postal History, First Quarter American Postal History, First Quarter
2018, pp. 34-40. 2018, pp. 34-40.
Online Online
4. Wikipedia: Stephen A. Corker, Wikipedia: Stephen A. Corker.
h t t p s : / / e n . w i k i p e d i a . o rg / w i k i / h t t p s : / / e n . w i k i p e d i a . o rg / w i k i /
Stephen_A._Corker/ (Accessed August 3, Stephen_A._Corker/ (Accessed August 3,
2018). 2018).
8. Author Biographies 9. Captions
At the end of the manuscript text, Captions, in numerical order, should
authors should provide a short paragraph follow the author biography. Captions
(usually two to five sentences) providing should be brief, usually one or two
brief biographical information about sentences, and generally do not include new
themselves (city and state of residence, information that is not in the manuscript.
profession, collecting specialties and/or All captions are preceded with “Figure X:”
interests), including an e-mail address that Figure is always spelled out in the caption
readers can use. and the manuscript.
An author head and shoulders photo If the illustrations are not the authors,
may be included with the illustrations. provide an italicized photo credit at the endLa Posta Writer’s Guidelines 9
of the caption, i.e., (Courtesy Bill Smith) or labeled in numerical order. Tables formatted
(Courtesy Library of Congress). in Microsoft Word or Excel usually work
best.
10. Tables Complicated table formats should
Tables may be included and should be usually be submitted as a PDF.
Illustrations
Quality illustrations are an important When scanning, place the material on
part of any submission. a contrasting (usually black) background.
While scans of the original stamps and Scan each philatelic item individually
covers to be illustrated are preferred, high (separate files).
quality color photocopies usually reproduce Remove philatelic material from
well. Also, scans are preferred over digital protective coverings — mounts, glassines,
photographs. Scanning produces much Mylar sleeves, etc. Scanning items inside a
better images of stamps and covers. protective covering produces blurry images
Scan stamps at 600 dpi and 100 percent and sometimes may add a pattern to the
of their original size. Scan covers at 300 image.
dpi and 100 percent of their original size. Please do not attempt to create collages,
Preferred formats are: .jpg, .tif, .eps, or a overlapping images, inserts, etc.
press quality PDF. (If you are creating a When sending files via e-mail, authors
PDF file to send, be sure to select “Press should check with their provider regarding
Quality” from the drop down list of options. the handling of attachments. Some
Do not select “Standard.” providers have restrictions on the size of an
Images from the Internet or files that attachment. La Posta can usually receive
were created for a website should be avoided files up to 10 MB in size via e-mail.
because they are usually 72 or 96 dpi, which When sending your manuscript and/or
results in poor quality reproductions. scans as e-mail attachments, please send a
Changing the resolution of an image second message to let us know what you
after scanning will cause it to lose sharpness, sent. Sometimes the message with the
especially when trying to go from 72 dpi to attachments never arrives.
300 dpi. The image will become pixilated If you are not comfortable creating
or look like Legos. A converted 72 dpi scan digital images of your philatelic material or
may look okay on a computer screen, but it you don’t have a scanner, Kinkos, Staples,
will not work well in print. or Office Depot can scan your items for you.
Article Proofs
When articles are laid out, authors will updates or corrections. Author comments
receive a PDF proof at the e-mail address should usually be provided within three to
provided by the author. This is the final five days.
chance to make any last minute changes,10 La Posta Writer’s Guidelines
Rights and Permissions
Copyright History are copyrighted in its own name
All article submissions must be the each quarter.
original work of the author(s). After an article is published, authors
Unless separate agreements have retain the copyright to their individual
been made, by submitting an article to La articles and may use their articles in future
Posta: The Journal of American Postal works of their own. For reprints, contact the
History authors are granting to La Posta editor.
Publications exclusive first North American
Serial Rights and nonexclusive rights to Permissions
publish the article in other formats, such as Obtaining permissions for the use of
a compendium, a reprint, in a digital format, copyrighted material within a submitted
or on the La Posta website. article is the responsibility of the author.
The full contents of each issue of La Permissions should accompany the
Posta: The Journal of American Postal manuscript.
Author Honorariums
While La Posta does not offer If additional author copies are needed for
honorariums, all published articles are a specific reason, this information must be
automatically eligible for the annual La provided to the editor when the submission
Posta Richard W. Helbock Prize and is provided.
Charles A. Fricke awards, which do provide Likewise, if complimentary copies
cash prizes. are not needed, this information should be
Authors automatically receive two provided to the editor with the submission.
complimentary copies of the issue in which
their article appears and a limited edition La
Posta author bookmark.
La Posta Website
Authors interested in learning more including the La Posta 50-Year Table of
about La Posta should visit the La Posta Contents index, where authors can examine
website at www.lapostapub.com. It includes the type of articles that have appeared in La
a wide variety of postal history information, Posta.La Posta Writer’s Guidelines 11
Tips to Remember
Catalog Numbers — Use Scott Specialized Quotes and Quotation Marks — Use double
catalog numbers in the proper format. quotation marks for direct quotes. Use single
quotation marks for quotes within quotes. For
Dates — Use American style dates: January 15, space reasons, single quotation marks also are
2018 (not 15 January 2018). usually used in headlines and captions. In most
situations, punctuation goes inside the quotes,
Endnotes — If used, number them sequentially not after them.
and provide a PDF of the article to avoid losing
them in formatting. Text Spacing — Use one space after a period
or other punctuation. Two spaces are from the
Figures — Identify illustrations by consecutive age of the typewriter and not appropriate for
figure numbers. Always spell out “Figure.” journals.
Military Ranks — Abbreviate ranks when used Ship Names — There are no periods in USS
before a name. Examples are: Gen., Lt. Gen., and only the actual ship name is italicized, i.e.,
Maj. Gen., Brig. Gen., Col., Lt. Col., Maj., CSA Virginia, USS Missouri.
Capt., 1st Lt., 2nd Lt., Sgt. Maj., Sgt., Cpl., Pvt.,
Adm., Vice Adm., Rear Adm., Cmdr., Ensign, State Names — Always spell out in the article.
Seaman. Use standard state abbreviations (not the two-
digit USPS abbreviation) in captions. Always
Names — Double check all name spellings. spell out Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine,
Circle or underline the name the first time it is Ohio, Texas, and Utah.
used. If there is a subsequent discrepancy, the
first spelling will be used. United States — Spell out unless used as an
adjective, i.e., U.S. Army.
Numbers — In general, spell out numbers one
through nine; use Arabic numbers for numbers
10 and higher.12 La Posta Writer’s Guidelines
La Posta Annual Awards for Authors
Richard W. Helbock Prize
The Richard W. Helbock Prize, established in 2012, is awarded to the best postal history article appearing
in the previous year’s La Posta: The Journal of American Postal History.
The selections are based upon voting results by the La Posta editorial staff and Patron, Benefactor,
Sustaining and regular subscribers of La Posta.
The Richard W. Helbock Prize is named in honor of the founding editor of La Posta who died from a
heart attack in 2011. Helbock founded La Posta in 1969 and continued to edit the journal for more than 42
years until his death.
2018 Richard W. Helbock Prize (for 2017 articles) 2016 Richard W. Helbock Prize (for 2015 articles)
1. Richard Street Hemmings, “Enigma from the 1. Charles Neyhart, “Play It Again, San Diego–The
Stamp Vault: Stanley Gibbons, New York and Their 1935 California Pacific International Exposition” 2Q
Educator Packets, Parts 1 and 2” 3Q and 4Q 2. Kelvin Kindahl, “The Inside Story of the Staples
2. Jack Hilbing and Stan Bednarczyk, “The Story of Post Offices” 4Q
the Brand Hoard: The People, Breweries, Coins and 3. Wayne Anmuth, “The Postmarks of Rockville,
Covers” 2Q Maryland: Postal Cancellations from 1801 to 1975”
3. Charles A. Neyhart Jr., “Swift & Company and the 3Q
North Portland Post Office” 4Q Receiving honorable mentions were:
Receiving honorable mentions were: “A Cover to a Sea Captain—The Victim of Mutiny
John M. Hotchner, “Post Office Handling of Coin and Murder” by Patricia A. Kaufmann of Lincoln,
Covers Could Result in Postage Due Markings, But Delaware
Mostly Don’t” 4Q Three by Jesse I. Spector and Robert L. Markovits:
Patricia A. Kaufmann, “Breaking the Rules: A “Resurrecting William Thompson: Lunatic Asylums
Civilian Flag of Truce Cover” 2Q in the Western World”
James Milgram, “Indian Territorial Postal Usages in “A Patriotic Cover and the Johnson’s Island
the Confederacy” 1Q Confederate Prisoner of War Camp”
Jesse Spector, “Crossing the Isthmus of Panama in “A Great War Postal History Perspective”
1850” 2Q
Steve Swain, “‘Fake Town’ Spanish-American War 2015 Richard W. Helbock Prize (for 2014 articles)
Postal History” 1Q 1. Charles Neyhart, “A Knife in the Back – The 1915
San Diego Panama California Exposition” 3Q
2017 Richard W. Helbock Prize (for 2016 articles) 2. Richard Hemmings, “We Circle the Globe: The
1. Patricia A. Kaufmann, “Confederate Postal Post Card Union and Their Private Stamps” 2Q
History: California Overland Mail to a Confederate 3. Jesse I. Spector and Robert L. Markovits, “Mary
Prisoner of War” 3Q White Ovington and the Fight for Racial Equality”
2. Charles A. Newhart Jr., “East Portland, Oregon: A 2Q
Postal Heart Still Beats” 4Q Receiving honorable mentions were:
3. Charles A. Neyhart Jr., “Missed Connections? The “The Modern Challenge: The U.S. Postal Service
May 15-21, 1938, Air Mail Week in San Diego” 2Q Sorts the Mail” by David Crotty
4. Richard D. Martorelli, “The U.S. Postal Service’s “The Earliest Documented Use of a Government
’90-Day Wonder’ Rates” 3Q Postal Card in Alaska” by Don Glickstein
5. Jesse I. Spector and Robert L. Markovits, “International ‘Form of Mail’ Problems” by John M.
“Espionage and Sedition in America in the First Hotchner
World War” 4Q “A Black Jack Use from the Old Capitol Prison” and
Receiving honorable mentions were: “An Aristocratic Planter Goes to War” by Patricia A.
Wayne Anmuth, “The Postmarks of Sandy Spring, Kaufmann;
Maryland, and Its Adjacent Villages” 1Q “Bisects in the Mails: Illegal But Tolerated” by
Joe Crosby, “A World War II Cover to My Parents Richard D. Martorelli
Found Online” 1Q “The Rise and Fall of a Classified Postal Station:
John Hotchner, “Unusual Auxiliary Markings on Station E and Montgomery Ward, Portland, Oregon”
Outgoing International Mail” 1Q by Charles Neyhart
Dennis Pack, “Special Delivery Markings Used at “The Classification of Four-Bar Postmarks Appearing
Washington, D.C., Substations” 3Q After the Introduction of the ZIP Code” by Christine
Paul Petosky, “The Drummond Island, Michigan, C. Sanders
Post Offices” 3Q “Atherton Perry Mason: Physician, Philatelist,La Posta Writer’s Guidelines 13
Renaissance Man” by Jesse I. Spector and Robert L. “The 411 of 9/11” by Richard Hemmings;
Markovits “First Battalion Florida Special Cavalry:
‘Munnerlyn’s Cow Cavalry’” by Patricia A.
2014 Richard W. Helbock Prize (for 2013 articles) Kaufmann;
1. Charles Neyhart, “The 1905 Portland, Oregon, “The SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm Revisited” by Jesse
Lewis & Clark Exposition Postal Stations,” 2Q Spector and Robert Markovits.
2. Henry J. (Hank) Berthelot, “U.S. Foreign Offices’
Use and Handling of Fractions on Insufficiently Paid 2013 Richard W. Helbock Prize (for 2012 articles)
UPU Cards” 2Q 1. Richard Hemmings, “New York City’s Cortlandt
3. Richard S. Hemmings, “Intoxicated Ground Zero” Street: One Way to the River” 1Q
1Q 2. Kenneth C. Wukash, “My Address is the World’s
3. Barry Jablon, “Auxiliary Markings of the 1869 Fair” 4Q
Three-Cent Pictorial Issue” 4Q 3. Thomas J. Richards, “The Postal History of the
Also receiving votes were: U.S. Naval Mission to Brazil” 3Q
“The United States’ Large Grant Postal Cards Use in Also receiving votes were articles by Michael
the UPU Mail” by H.J. Berthelot; Dattolico, Andrew Mitchell, David Straight and
“The Postage Meter Tips Off Mail Preparation” by three articles by the team of Jesse Spector and Robert
David Crotty; Markovits.
La Posta Charles A. Fricke Small Bites
of Great American Postal History Award
The Charles A. Fricke Small Bites of Great American Postal History Award is presented to the best postal
history article of two or fewer pages appearing in the previous year’s La Posta: The Journal of American
Postal History.
The selections are based upon voting results by the La Posta editorial staff and Patron, Benefactor,
Sustaining and regular subscribers of La Posta.
The Small Bites of Great American Postal History Award, established in 2016, was named in honor of
Charles A. Fricke upon his death in 2017 at age 94. Fricke was a prolific author and La Posta columnist who
penned many articles that fit the Small Bites category.
2018 Charles A. Fricke Small Bites Award 2017 Charles A. Fricke Small Bites Award
(for 2017 articles) (for 2016 articles)
1. Jim Doolin, Dallas, Texas, “A Rare Cover Related 1. Roland Austin, Stillwater, Oklahoma, “A Not-So-
to Pancho Villa, Columbus, N.M., and the Pershing Special Looking Special Rate” 3Q
Expedition” 1Q 2. Kirk Andrews, Portland, Oregon, “Smoking Gun
2. Wayne Anmuth, Chevy Chase, Maryland, “The Found for 1905 Portland Lewis and Clark Exposition
Steel Blue Variety of the 24-Cent 1861 Issue” 2Q Cancel Usage” 4Q
3. William Schultz, West Chester, Pennsylvania, “A 3. Jerry Johnson, Kennewick, Washington, “Mailed
Confounding 1848 Cleveland SFL to Wurttemberg” Without Postage During the 1906 San Francisco
4Q Earthquake Recovery” 2Q
La Posta Editors
Editor, Location # Issues Whole Numbers Years
Bill Helbock, Las Cruces, New Mexico 246 1-126 1969-1981
Portland, Oregon 1981-1999
NSW, Australia 1999-2011
Cath Clark, NSW, Australia 1 247 2011
Peter Martin, Fredericksburg, Virginia 30 248-[277] 2011-Present14 La Posta Writer’s Guidelines
Article Deadlines
Article deadlines are:
1st Quarter — January 1
2nd Quarter — April 1
3rd Quarter — July 1
4th Quarter — October 1
Article Submission Address
All article submissions and illustrations should be sent
to the editor at:
Peter Martin
Editor in Chief
La Posta: The Journal of American Postal History
POB 6074
Fredericksburg, VA 22403
E-mail: Pmartin2525@yahoo.com
If sending articles by e-mail, place “La Posta Article”
in the subject line.You can also read
