RunCharlotte Article Submission Guidelines
Love running? Like writing? Or maybe it’s the other way around. Either way, YOU could be a paid contributor to RunCharlotte.com and “That Running Email!”
Here’s how it works:
- Present a story pitch or idea to ed@runcharlotte.com. Tell us what you’d like to write about, who you’d interview – if applicable – and what kind of photos, artwork, charts and graphs, or etc., that you’d provide. Also, let us know WHY you think this is a great story idea for the RunCharlotte audience!
- Or, accept an article or story assignment from the editor. You’ll connect with the appropriate or agreed upon sources, meet the agreed or assigned deadline, and include all agreed or assigned photos, artwork, etc.
How to pitch the Editor:
- Email ed@runcharlotte.com
- Subject line: STORY IDEA
- Include:
- Your story or article idea and why it would be a great fit for this audience. And/or please express your willingness to take on an assignment from the editor.
- Any applicable experience
- Your contact information
Submission Standards for text:
- MS Word document
- 400-600 words
- 12 point, Century Gothic
- AP Stylebook https://www.apstylebook.com
- Delivered via email to ed@runcharlotte.com
Submission Standards for photos and/or artwork:
- Minimum 600×600 pixels for square images
- 900×506 for 16:9 images
- You must own the images, or have permission to use them.
- If photo credit is required, please note that appropriately.
- Delivered via email to ed@runcharlotte.com
Editing:
- You’ll agree to proofread your work for spelling, grammar, formatting, and other basics PRIOR TO SUBMISSION.
- You’ll agree to make edits to your work prior to acceptance.
Credit and Bylines:
- As a contributor, you’ll get a callout in the article introduction in “That Running Email,” AND you’ll receive a byline on the article itself.
- Photo credit will be added to appropriate images and artwork.
Payment:
- You’ll be paid upon ACCEPTED submissions for agreed-upon work. No need to wait until the article runs!
- W-9 required
- Payments made by your preference of Paypal or check
FAQ:
Q: If I send a story pitch or idea, does that mean I should start writing it?
A: We dig the enthusiasm, but slow down just a second there! Send your pitch or story idea to ed@runcharlotte.com. Include STORY IDEA in the subject line. Make sure your contact info is in there email, too. Ed will let you know if the story is a “go,” so you can get on it and get paid!
Q: I’m not sure if I have a story idea. It’s more of a question or something I’m interested in…
A: If you’ve got an idea, thought, or whatever — pitch it! Even if it’s not fully baked, it may be the start of something you CAN work on, or something someone else may enjoy exploring. ed@runcharlotte.com is always up for ideas.
Q: Do I need to have writing experience to do this?
A: It doesn’t hurt, and it’s certainly not required. However, you’re encouraged to review some of the articles at https://runcharlotte.com/blog/ to get an idea of what we’re looking for.
Q: How much time to I have to write my article?
A: We’ll work that out based on your article, but generally expect a couple of weeks as a deadline.
Q: I’m kind of an introvert. Do I have to actually “interview” someone?
A: You’re in luck! We’ve found most folks are willing to answer a few brief questions via email. It’s actually pretty easy, and we can often help you with sources for particular subjects, if necessary.
Q: You had me at “paid.” How much we talking here?
A: $50 for original work, essays, or op-ed type pieces that require no additional source material or interviews. $100 for articles that require interviews, or other complex subject matter.