Add a short first-time contributor checklist and a proposed policy requiring disclosure of AI assistance without banning it outright. Do not add new payment, rights, or turnaround commitments. Output text only.
Neighborhood Newsletter: Contributor Guidelines for Local-History Pieces
Thank you for your interest in contributing to our neighborhood newsletter! We welcome residents’ stories about local history, community events, and personal recollections. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable process, please review these guidelines:
Submission Content & Length
- Focus on local history topics relevant to our neighborhood.
- Aim for contributions between 600 and 900 words.
- Write in a friendly, factual tone suitable for a general audience.
Sources & Permissions
- Provide clear citations for any historical facts, quotes, or external material.
- If using quotes or information from interviews with residents, obtain their permission and include their name and your interview date.
Pitches & Submission Process
- Send your story pitch via email, including the following format:
- Title:
- Brief summary (2-3 sentences):
- Key sources or interview info (if applicable):
First-Time Contributor Checklist
- Ensure your story focuses on local history relevant to our neighborhood.
- Include sources and permissions for quotes or interview content.
- Keep your piece within 600–900 words.
- Write in a friendly, factual tone.
- Submit your pitch via email as outlined above.
Editing & Revisions
- We reserve the right to edit for clarity, length, tone, and style.
- Contributors should be prepared to make reasonable revisions if requested.
Conflicts of Interest
- Disclose any personal or professional relationships that might influence your story.
- Avoid submitting content with a conflict of interest that could compromise objectivity.
AI Assistance Disclosure (Proposed Policy)
- We ask contributors to disclose if parts of their submission were generated with AI assistance.
- Use of AI tools is permitted but should be transparently noted in your submission.
Publication & Response
- Submission does not guarantee publication.
- We will notify you if your story is accepted or if revisions are needed.
Thank you for sharing your stories and helping us celebrate our neighborhood’s rich history!