These are a set of instructions and standards that prospective contributors must adhere to when submitting opinion pieces to the news publication. These guidelines typically cover areas such as word count, topic relevance, writing style, submission procedures, and disclosure requirements. For example, the document will often specify the acceptable length of the article, the format it should be submitted in (e.g., .doc, .txt), and the contact information for submissions.
Adhering to this specific document ensures submitted pieces align with the publication’s editorial mission, maintain quality standards, and comply with ethical considerations. A well-defined set of instructions facilitates a fair and consistent selection process, benefiting both the publication and potential contributors. Historically, these types of documents evolved as news organizations sought to manage the flow of external submissions while maintaining journalistic integrity and editorial consistency.
