Student Journalist Article Submission Guidelines
To maintain high-quality journalism and ensure a smooth publication process, all contributors must adhere to the following guidelines when submitting their articles.
1. General Requirements
- Originality: Your submission must be your original work and not previously published elsewhere.
- Topics: Articles should focus on topics relevant to the target audience (e.g., school events, current events, opinion pieces, profiles, or cultural reviews).
- Word Count: Keep your article between 500-800 words, unless otherwise specified.
2. Content Guidelines
- Clarity and Accuracy:
- Ensure facts are accurate, and sources are cited.
- Avoid jargon or overly complex language; aim for clarity and readability.
- Structure:
- Headline: Write a concise, attention-grabbing headline.
- Lead Paragraph: Start with a strong hook to engage readers and introduce the main idea.
- Body: Develop your story with clear paragraphs, logical flow, and supporting evidence.
- Conclusion: Provide a strong closing that summarizes the main points or calls the reader to action (if relevant).
- Tone and Voice: Use an objective, professional tone unless writing an opinion or editorial piece.
3. Ethical Standards
- Plagiarism: Zero tolerance for plagiarism. Cite all sources properly.
- Attribution: Clearly identify quotes and their sources.
- Fairness: Strive for balanced reporting. Represent all relevant sides of the story.
- Privacy: Do not disclose sensitive personal information without consent.
4. Visuals
- Photos and Captions:
- Submit relevant photos or graphics with your article.
- Include descriptive captions for all visuals.
- Permissions: Verify that all visuals are free from copyright restrictions or include appropriate permissions.
5. Submission Process
- Where to Submit:Â Please use the post submission form on your My Account Screen. Our system will auto-format your submission.
7. Editorial Review and Feedback
- Editing: The editorial team may edit your submission for clarity, grammar, and length. Major changes will be communicated to you.
- Revisions: If revisions are needed, you’ll have 48 hours to make corrections.
- Final Decision: The editorial team reserves the right to reject submissions that do not meet guidelines.
- Rejection Policy: Rejected articles will receive constructive feedback when possible, but resubmission is not guaranteed.
9. Code of Conduct
By submitting an article, you agree to:
- Uphold journalistic integrity.
- Respect feedback from editors.
- Maintain professionalism in all communications.
10. Contact Information
For questions or additional guidance, contact the editorial team at using our contact form.
These guidelines are designed to ensure a seamless and professional process for student journalists. Adherence will enhance your writing experience and the quality of your published work!