Article formatting
We typically follow the following format for articles and blogs:
- Introduction: 1 or 2 paragraphs that introduce the topic and what the reader will learn
- Body: At least 3 paragraphs (each section labeled with Header 2s and/or Header 3s)
- Conclusion: 1 paragraph to wrap everything up
- Call to action: Bold line at the end of the article directing readers to another part of the website (usually written by the CX Editorial team)
- Related links: Relevant internal links that appear every other paragraph starting after the first body paragraph (usually inserted by the CX Editorial team)
- Embedded links: Links to relevant content embedded with appropriate anchor text. (These can be internal links or approved external links such as sources; some external links may be removed or prohibited.)
- Here’s a good example of a properly formatted article. You can find many other examples on our main Articles & Advice page.
Author biography
All CollegeXpress contributors (including organizational/group authors) have a unique author page, distinct from their submitted content. You may supply a biography of your choosing, up to 200 words, which may include promotional links. Biographies are also subject to editorial review. A short biography will be written for you should you choose not to supply one. A byline also accompanies each article, including the author’s name, title, and organization, if relevant. Byline fields do not support linking. You may also supply a headshot for your author page, but it’s not required.
Review process and editorial changes
All articles are subject to review, and publication is not guaranteed. Unsolicited submissions that are not chosen for publication may or may not receive notice. Articles will be edited in accordance with house style rules and may be changed for clarity, tone, and consistency. External links included by the author may also be removed if deemed irrelevant or unnecessary.
Deadlines
We are flexible in our deadlines for online submissions, though we appreciate a turnaround of four to six weeks. Accepted submissions are then incorporated into our editorial schedule and posted to CollegeXpress within two to six weeks of receiving them.
Reuse/reprints and permissions
We ask that all submissions be original and exclusive to CollegeXpress, and it is mutually beneficial that submitted pieces remain so (please inquire as to content exchange opportunities). However, should you wish to repost a submitted piece to your personal or organizational blog, we appreciate notice and in such cases request that you include a link to CollegeXpress and/or the original post.
Content accepted for publication on CollegeXpress may also appear as a reprint in Carnegie Dartlet’s magazines. Articles will not be used otherwise without the author’s consent.
Photos
Accompanying images, whether for articles or blogs, are appreciated but not necessary and may or may not be used if supplied. We typically rely on stock photography. We prefer an author image accompany any Ask the Experts response, but it too is not required.
Videos
The CollegeXpress YouTube channel features videos from our team, college experts, and real students. If you’re interested in vlogging or turning a blog into a vlog, please let your editor know.
Contact
Queries and manuscripts may be sent to feedback@collegexpress.com or directly to the editor with whom you are working. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions, and thank you again for your interest in CollegeXpress!
