15.2 Understanding Publication Guidelines
9 min read•july 30, 2024
Understanding publication guidelines is crucial for any feature writer looking to get their work published. These guidelines serve as a roadmap, helping writers navigate the specific requirements of each publication they submit to.
By adhering to these guidelines, writers increase their chances of acceptance and build positive relationships with editors. From formatting specifications to writing style adaptation, mastering these guidelines is key to success in the competitive world of feature writing.
Publication Guidelines Significance
Consistency and Professionalism
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- Publication guidelines establish a consistent format and style across all articles in a publication creating a cohesive and professional appearance
- Consistency in formatting, style, and structure helps readers easily navigate and engage with the content
- A professional appearance enhances the credibility and authority of the publication and its contributors
- Examples of consistent elements include font styles, sizes, spacing, margin sizes, and header and footer styles
Meeting Expectations and Increasing Acceptance
- Adhering to guidelines ensures that the article meets the expectations of the publication's editors and readers increasing the likelihood of acceptance and publication
- Guidelines help writers understand the specific requirements and preferences of the publication allowing them to tailor their work accordingly
- Submitting an article that aligns with the publication's guidelines demonstrates the writer's understanding of and respect for the publication's standards
- Increased acceptance and publication rates can lead to greater exposure for the writer and opportunities for future assignments
Building Positive Relationships and Opportunities
- Following guidelines demonstrates professionalism and respect for the publication which can help build a positive relationship with editors and increase future writing opportunities
- Consistently adhering to guidelines establishes the writer as reliable and easy to work with making editors more likely to consider their future submissions
- Building a strong reputation within a publication can lead to additional assignments, commissions, or even long-term collaborations
- Examples of opportunities include becoming a regular contributor, being invited to write feature articles, or being recommended to other publications
Consequences of Non-Adherence
- Failing to adhere to guidelines may result in rejection of the article, delays in publication, or damage to the writer's reputation and credibility
- Editors may reject articles that do not meet the publication's guidelines outright, requiring the writer to revise and resubmit their work
- Non-adherence can cause delays in the publication process as editors may need to spend additional time working with the writer to bring the article up to the required standards
- Consistently submitting work that does not follow guidelines can harm the writer's reputation, making editors less likely to consider their future submissions or recommend them to others
Formatting and Submission Requirements
Document Formatting Specifications
- Formatting requirements may include specific font styles (Times New Roman, Arial), sizes (12 point), and spacing (double-spaced)
- Guidelines often specify margin sizes (1 inch on all sides), paragraph indentation (0.5 inches), and header and footer styles (page numbers, author name)
- Some publications may require specific line spacing, such as 1.5 or double-spacing, to ensure readability and consistency
- Adhering to these formatting specifications ensures that the article is visually consistent with other content in the publication and meets the editors' expectations
File Format and Submission Methods
- often specify the file format, such as .doc, .docx, or .rtf, to ensure compatibility with the publication's editing software
- Guidelines may include specific file naming conventions, such as "AuthorLastName_ArticleTitle_Date.doc," to help editors organize and track submissions
- The method of submission, such as email or an online submission system, will be clearly outlined in the guidelines
- Some publications may require writers to submit additional files, such as high-resolution images or author headshots, separately from the main article file
Article Structure and Elements
- Guidelines may dictate the structure of the article, such as the inclusion of a headline, subheadings, pull quotes, and a specific range
- For example, a publication may require articles to be between 800-1200 words, with a compelling headline and at least three subheadings to break up the content
- Some publications require the inclusion of additional elements, such as author biographies, contact information, or suggested pull quotes
- These elements help to provide context for the reader and promote the writer's work
- Adhering to the specified structure and including all required elements demonstrates the writer's attention to detail and understanding of the publication's expectations
Citation and Referencing Guidelines
- Carefully review and follow guidelines for citing sources, including the required citation style (AP, MLA, Chicago) and the format for in-text and reference lists
- Consistency in citation style helps maintain the credibility and professionalism of the publication
- Guidelines may specify how to format in-text citations, such as using parenthetical references or footnotes, and how to structure the reference list or bibliography
- Some publications may have specific requirements for citing online sources, such as including the URL and date accessed
- Properly citing sources is crucial for avoiding and giving credit to the original authors or creators of the referenced material
Writing Style Adaptation for Publications
Understanding the Target Audience
- Understand the publication's , including their age (young adults, seniors), education level (high school, college-educated), interests (technology, health), and expectations (in-depth analysis, entertaining content)
- Tailor the writing style and content to the target audience, ensuring that the article is engaging, relevant, and accessible
- For example, if writing for a publication aimed at a younger audience, use a more conversational tone and include references to popular culture or current events
- When writing for a publication with a highly educated readership, use more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures to convey ideas effectively
Matching the Publication's Tone
- Analyze the overall tone of the publication, which may range from formal and academic to casual and conversational, and adjust the writing style to match
- A formal tone may be appropriate for publications focusing on scientific, legal, or financial topics, while a more casual tone may be suitable for lifestyle or entertainment publications
- Ensure that the tone remains consistent throughout the article, avoiding sudden shifts that may confuse or disengage readers
- Examples of tonal elements include the use of humor, personal anecdotes, or a more objective and impartial perspective
Aligning with the Publication's Purpose
- Consider the publication's purpose and mission, such as informing, entertaining, or persuading readers, and ensure that the article's content aligns with these goals
- For informative publications, focus on providing accurate, well-researched, and unbiased information to help readers understand a topic or issue
- When writing for an entertainment-focused publication, prioritize engaging storytelling, vivid descriptions, and a compelling narrative arc
- If the publication aims to persuade readers, use evidence-based arguments, expert opinions, and persuasive language to support the article's central thesis
Incorporating Common Themes and Styles
- Review previously published articles to identify common themes, styles, and approaches, and incorporate these elements into the writing while maintaining originality
- For example, if a publication frequently features personal essays, consider using a first-person perspective and a reflective tone in the article
- If the publication often includes expert interviews, incorporate quotes from relevant sources to add depth and credibility to the piece
- Adapt successful writing techniques, such as using anecdotes, descriptive language, or rhetorical questions, to engage readers and maintain consistency with the publication's style
Readability and Audience Background
- Adapt vocabulary, sentence structure, and complexity to suit the publication's readability level and the audience's background knowledge and interests
- Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon or technical terms unless they are well-defined and essential to the topic
- Vary sentence length and structure to maintain reader interest and improve readability
- When writing for an audience with diverse backgrounds, provide necessary context and explanations to ensure that all readers can understand and engage with the content
- Consider using analogies, examples, or visual aids to help readers grasp complex concepts or ideas
Legal and Ethical Considerations in Feature Writing
Accuracy and Verifiability
- Ensure that all information presented in the article is accurate, factual, and verifiable, and avoid making unsubstantiated claims or spreading misinformation
- Thoroughly research the topic using reliable sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, government reports, or expert interviews
- Fact-check all information, including names, dates, and statistics, to maintain the credibility of the article and the publication
- Clearly distinguish between facts and opinions, and attribute opinions to their sources
- If an error is discovered after publication, work with the to issue a correction or clarification promptly
Copyright and Permissions
- Obtain necessary permissions for using copyrighted material, such as images, quotes, or excerpts from other sources, and properly attribute them according to the publication's guidelines
- Contact the copyright holder or rights owner to request permission to use their material, and keep a record of all permissions obtained
- When using images, ensure they are high-quality, relevant to the article, and properly captioned and credited
- Understand the principles of fair use, which allow for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, or news reporting
- If in doubt about the use of copyrighted material, consult with the publication's editor or legal department for guidance
Privacy and Confidentiality
- Respect the privacy and confidentiality of sources, and obtain explicit consent before revealing identifying information or sensitive details
- Inform sources of how their information will be used and give them the opportunity to review and approve any quotes or attributions
- Protect the identity of sources who wish to remain anonymous, and use discretion when describing their characteristics or circumstances
- Be mindful of the potential impact of the article on the subjects' lives, and consider the consequences of including personal or sensitive information
- In some cases, it may be necessary to withhold certain details or use pseudonyms to protect the privacy and safety of sources
Transparency and Conflict of Interest
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as personal or financial relationships with the subject matter or sources, to maintain transparency and credibility
- Inform editors of any conflicts of interest before accepting an assignment, and work with them to determine the best course of action
- If a conflict of interest is unavoidable, disclose it within the article to allow readers to make informed judgments about the content
- Avoid accepting gifts, favors, or special treatment from sources or subjects that could be perceived as influencing the article's content or perspective
- Maintain a clear separation between editorial content and advertising or sponsored content, and ensure that any sponsored content is clearly labeled as such
Plagiarism and Attribution
- Avoid plagiarism by properly paraphrasing, quoting, and citing sources, and ensure that the majority of the article's content is original work
- Use quotation marks and in-text citations to attribute any verbatim quotes or excerpts to their original sources
- When paraphrasing or summarizing ideas from other sources, provide proper attribution and citations to give credit to the original authors
- Be cautious when using information from online sources, as the ease of copying and pasting content can lead to unintentional plagiarism
- Use plagiarism detection tools or services to check the article for potential instances of plagiarism before submission
Journalistic Ethics and Minimizing Harm
- Adhere to journalistic ethics, such as avoiding sensationalism, respecting the rights of subjects, and minimizing harm to individuals or communities affected by the article's content
- Strive for balanced and impartial reporting, presenting multiple perspectives on a topic and avoiding bias or favoritism
- Respect the dignity and autonomy of article subjects, and avoid exploiting or misrepresenting their experiences or views
- Consider the potential impact of the article on vulnerable populations, such as children, victims of crime, or marginalized communities
- When reporting on sensitive or controversial topics, seek guidance from editors and adhere to the publication's ethical guidelines and standards
Key Terms to Review (17)
AP Style: AP Style, short for Associated Press Style, is a writing format used by journalists and writers for consistency in news writing. It establishes standardized guidelines for grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and usage to ensure clarity and uniformity across publications, particularly in journalism. Following AP Style helps writers communicate effectively and maintain a professional standard in reporting.
Chicago Manual of Style: The Chicago Manual of Style is a comprehensive style guide that provides guidelines for writing, editing, and publishing in various fields, particularly in the humanities. It covers everything from grammar and punctuation to citation formats and manuscript preparation, making it a crucial resource for writers and editors to maintain consistency and clarity in their work.
Citations: Citations are references to the sources of information or ideas that are used in writing, acknowledging the original authors and their contributions. They are crucial in maintaining academic integrity, helping to give credit where it's due, and allowing readers to trace the original sources for further research. Proper citations not only enhance the credibility of the writing but also help avoid plagiarism.
Copywriter: A copywriter is a professional writer who creates persuasive content intended to promote a product, service, or idea, often found in advertising and marketing materials. Their primary goal is to engage the audience and inspire them to take action, whether it be making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. Copywriters must understand their target audience and adapt their writing style to fit different platforms and publication guidelines.
Editor: An editor is a professional responsible for reviewing, revising, and shaping written content before publication. Editors play a crucial role in the publication process by ensuring that the material aligns with specific guidelines, maintains clarity, and engages the target audience effectively. They work closely with writers to enhance the quality of the work while also ensuring it meets the standards of the publication and resonates with readers.
Editorial voice: Editorial voice refers to the unique style and tone that a writer uses to convey their perspective in written works, particularly in feature writing. It shapes how readers perceive the author's personality and viewpoints, creating a distinct narrative that can engage, inform, or persuade. The editorial voice plays a crucial role in feature writing by establishing a connection with the audience and guiding them through the story while also aligning with the publication's guidelines and audience expectations.
Fact-checking: Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of information before it is published, ensuring that claims made in writing are supported by reliable evidence. This practice is crucial in maintaining journalistic integrity and credibility, as it involves cross-referencing sources, corroborating facts, and identifying potential misinformation.
Lead Paragraph: A lead paragraph is the opening section of a written piece, designed to grab the reader's attention and provide essential information about the story. It sets the tone and direction of the piece, often answering key questions like who, what, when, where, why, and how. Crafting an effective lead paragraph is crucial as it can balance personal experiences with broader themes, ensuring that individual narratives resonate universally and adhere to specific publication guidelines.
Libel: Libel is a form of defamation that involves the publication of false statements about an individual or organization that can damage their reputation. It plays a crucial role in journalistic ethics, where accuracy and truthfulness are paramount, and is also closely tied to legal considerations regarding fact-checking and publication guidelines, as it can lead to serious legal repercussions for writers and publishers alike.
Magazines: Magazines are periodical publications that contain a variety of content, such as articles, photographs, and advertisements, aimed at informing, entertaining, or persuading a specific audience. They often focus on niche topics and are published on a regular schedule, like weekly or monthly, making them unique in their approach to content delivery and audience engagement.
Narrative structure: Narrative structure refers to the framework that organizes and shapes a story, including its sequence of events, character development, and thematic elements. This structure is crucial in feature writing as it helps engage readers by presenting information in a compelling way, often through techniques like exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution. By understanding narrative structure, writers can adapt their style to different types of features, create vivid scenes, evaluate reader interest, and follow publication guidelines effectively.
Online journals: Online journals are digital publications that provide a platform for scholarly articles, research papers, and other academic content. They facilitate access to a wide range of subjects, enabling authors to share their work and readers to engage with current research easily. Online journals can be peer-reviewed, enhancing the credibility of the published work and making them vital resources for academic communities.
Peer Review: Peer review is a process in which scholars evaluate each other's work to ensure quality, credibility, and academic integrity before publication. This essential quality control mechanism helps refine research and writing, making sure that the final product is clear, coherent, and impactful. Engaging in peer review not only helps authors enhance their work but also fosters collaboration and mutual learning among scholars.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or expressions without proper acknowledgment, effectively presenting them as one's own. This unethical practice undermines the integrity of journalism and writing, which rely on trust and transparency. Recognizing and avoiding plagiarism is crucial for maintaining ethical standards, ensuring accurate reporting through fact-checking, and navigating the publication process while adhering to specific guidelines.
Submission requirements: Submission requirements are specific guidelines set by publishers or organizations that dictate how to present written work for consideration. These requirements can include formatting rules, length restrictions, and particular content stipulations that a writer must adhere to in order to ensure their work is accepted for review or publication.
Target audience: The target audience refers to a specific group of people that a writer aims to reach with their content. Understanding the target audience helps tailor the message, style, and tone of writing to effectively engage and resonate with that particular group.
Word Count: Word count refers to the total number of words in a written document, article, or piece of content. It is an important aspect of feature writing as it often determines the scope and depth of the information presented, as well as adherence to publication guidelines that may specify a minimum or maximum word count for submissions.