Kumple News Author Guidelines: Contributing to Clarity

At Kumple News, our mission is to empower our readers with clear, concise, and insightful understanding of the world. We value well-researched, balanced perspectives that cut through the noise and foster informed discussion. If you share this vision and have a unique insight to contribute, we welcome your submissions!

Please review these guidelines carefully before submitting your pitch or draft.

1. Our Content Focus & Mission

• Clarity & Insight: Our primary goal is to make complex topics understandable. Submissions should aim to clarify, explain, and provide actionable insights, rather than just report facts.
• Relevance: We cover current events, social issues, technology, lifestyle, and personal growth – always through the lens of providing clarity and deeper understanding.
• Beyond the Headline: We seek pieces that explain the "why" and "how," offering context and implications that readers won't find in a quick news scroll.
• Balance & Objectivity (where applicable): For analytical or explanatory pieces, strive for balanced perspectives and present information fairly. Our aim is to inform, not to persuade with bias.
• Originality: We prefer original thought, unique angles, and fresh perspectives on established topics.

2. Tone & Style

• Accessible & Engaging: Write for a broad audience. Avoid jargon where possible, and if technical terms are necessary, explain them clearly. Your writing should be engaging, conversational, and easy to follow.
• Concise & Direct: Every word should earn its place. Get straight to the point and avoid unnecessary fluff. Remember our promise to cut through the clutter.
• Authoritative yet Approachable: Demonstrate expertise without being condescending. Be confident in your knowledge, but maintain a tone that invites readers in.
• Kumple News Voice: While we value individual voices, aim for a consistent standard of professionalism and clarity that aligns with the Kumple News brand.

3. Submission Requirements

• Pitch First (Preferred): For original ideas, we prefer a brief (200-300 word) pitch outlining:
  • Your proposed topic and its relevance to current events or reader interest.
  • The core argument or main takeaway your article will provide.
  • Why *you* are the right person to write this piece (your expertise/background).
  • A brief outline of the article's structure.
• Article Length:
  • Explained News/Short Insights: 500-800 words
  • Deep Dives/Analytical Pieces: 800-1500 words
  • Note: Quality over quantity. We prioritize impactful content over word count.
• File Format: Submit drafts in Google Docs (shared with commenting access) or a clean Word document (.doc/.docx).
• Headlines: Propose a compelling, clear, and engaging headline that accurately reflects your article's content. We may adjust headlines for SEO and consistency.

4. Accuracy, Sourcing & Originality

• Fact-Checking: All factual claims MUST be accurate and verifiable. Double-check names, dates, statistics, and any other data.
• Credible Sources: Cite your sources! For statistics, quotes, or significant claims, provide links to reputable sources (academic papers, reputable news organizations, official reports, etc.). Avoid Wikipedia or unverified blogs as primary sources.
• Original Work: All submissions must be your original work and not previously published elsewhere, including your personal blog (unless agreed upon beforehand for very specific circumstances).
• Plagiarism: Plagiarism in any form will result in immediate rejection and no future consideration.

5. Formatting & Structure

• Clear Introduction: Hook the reader and state the article's purpose or main argument early on.
• Logical Flow: Organize your thoughts with clear headings and subheadings. Each section should transition smoothly to the next.
• Short Paragraphs: Break up large blocks of text. Aim for paragraphs of 3-5 sentences for readability on screens.
• Bullet Points & Numbered Lists: Use these to break down complex information and enhance readability.
• Call to Action/Conclusion: End with a strong conclusion that summarizes key takeaways or encourages further thought/discussion.

6. Author Bio & Promotion

• Short Bio: Include a brief (2-3 sentences) author bio at the end of your submission. This can include your relevant expertise, passion, or current role.
• Professional Photo: Provide a clear, professional headshot for your author profile.
• Social Media Links: Include links to 1-2 professional social media profiles (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter) you'd like to share.
• Sharing: We encourage authors to share their published articles across their networks once live.

7. Editorial Process

• Review: All submissions will be reviewed by the Kumple News editorial team.
• Feedback & Edits: We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, conciseness, grammar, style, SEO, and adherence to our editorial guidelines. We may also suggest revisions to content or structure.
• Communication: We will communicate with you throughout the process regarding acceptance, feedback, and publication schedule.
• Timelines: Due to the volume of submissions, response times may vary. We appreciate your patience.