I looked at the submission guidelines for Bead and Button and Beadwork magazines, and decided that my project fit better with the editorial attitude of Beadwork. Both places asked to be contacted before you even sent in photos or whatever, so I called the submissions number for Beadwork magazine.
I spoke with the features editor, and we looked at my webpage together. I told her about the beading my way around the world project, and how I've focused on women and beading. She asked about the next few projects on my "tour," and asked when I thought they might be done.
Apparently, I have amazing timing. Beadwork is planning a world beading issue next year and is looking for examples of international beadwork. The editor tells me that my project is "a perfect fit" for their magazine, and wanted to know if she could share my web address with the other editors of the magazine. They'll contact me within a couple of weeks to let me know their decision, and make arrangements for me to send them the pieces for professional photography.
I did mention that I wasn't sure my work was professional enough, since I've only been at this three years. Like you guys, she guffawed and told me it looked darned good to her.
So I took that step off the cliff. Stay tuned to see how it all works out. In the meantime, I think I'll keep concentrating on my beadwork, and not on throwing up. (Something about this was incredibly difficult, and I was uncharacteristically petrified about making the call. If I didn't do it now, I know I never would have)
Kathy N-V