Editorial Guidelines for Washington Business Journals

Last Updated: April 27, 2024

Welcome to the Washington Business Journals Editorial Guidelines. These guidelines are designed to maintain the highest standards of quality, integrity, and professionalism in all content published under our brand. Whether you are a contributor, editor, or staff member, adhering to these guidelines ensures consistency and excellence across all our publications.

1. Overview

Washington Business Journals is dedicated to providing insightful, accurate, and timely information to business professionals, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers in the Washington metropolitan area. Our publications cover a wide range of topics, including local business news, industry trends, market analysis, and profiles of influential leaders.

2. Types of Content

We accept and publish various types of content to cater to the diverse interests of our readership. The primary content types include:

  • News Articles: Timely reports on recent events, developments, and changes within the business community.
  • Feature Stories: In-depth articles that provide comprehensive coverage of a particular topic, company, or individual.
  • Opinion Pieces: Thought-provoking articles that offer expert opinions, analysis, and commentary on relevant business issues.
  • Interviews: Conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
  • Market Analysis: Detailed assessments of market trends, economic indicators, and business performance.
  • Event Coverage: Reports on local business events, conferences, seminars, and networking gatherings.
  • Editorials: Official statements and perspectives from the Washington Business Journals editorial team.

3. Submission Process

To maintain a streamlined and efficient workflow, please follow the submission process outlined below:

3.1 Submission Portal

All submissions should be made through our Online Submission Portal. Ensure that your article adheres to the guidelines before submission.

3.2 Required Information

When submitting your manuscript, include the following:

  • Title: A clear and concise title for your article.
  • Author Information: Full name, contact details, and a brief biography (50-100 words).
  • Article Body: The main content of your article, formatted in a Word document (.doc or .docx).
  • Images and Media: High-resolution images (300 DPI) with appropriate captions and source attributions.
  • Sources: A list of all sources referenced in your article.

3.3 Submission Deadlines

To ensure timely publication, adhere to the following deadlines:

  • Daily Editions: Submit by 3:00 PM EST the day before publication.
  • Weekly Editions: Submit by 5:00 PM EST on Wednesdays for the upcoming Friday release.
  • Special Features: Deadlines will be communicated on a case-by-case basis.

4. Style and Formatting

Consistency in style and formatting is crucial for maintaining the professional appearance of our publications. Adhere to the following guidelines:

4.1 Language and Tone

  • Professional and Objective: Maintain a neutral and factual tone. Avoid biased or promotional language unless explicitly stated.
  • Clarity and Precision: Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon unless necessary and provide explanations for technical terms.
  • Active Voice: Prefer active voice over passive voice for more engaging and direct writing.

4.2 Style Guide

  • AP Style Compliance: Follow the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook for grammar, punctuation, and formatting rules.
  • Headings and Subheadings: Use descriptive headings and subheadings to organize content logically.
  • Font and Formatting: Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12pt) with double-spacing. Include page numbers if applicable.

4.3 Citations and References

  • Proper Attribution: Attribute all quotes, data, and references to their original sources.
  • Hyperlinks: Include hyperlinks for online sources when submitting digital content.
  • Endnotes and Footnotes: Use sparingly and only when necessary for additional context or citations.

5. Ethical Guidelines

Maintaining ethical standards is paramount to our credibility and reputation. Adhere to the following principles:

5.1 Accuracy and Fact-Checking

  • Verify Information: Ensure all facts, figures, and statements are accurate and corroborated by reliable sources.
  • Corrections: Promptly issue corrections for any errors discovered post-publication.

5.2 Conflicts of Interest

  • Disclosure: Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including financial ties or personal relationships that may influence the content.
  • Impartiality: Maintain objectivity and avoid favoritism towards any individual, company, or organization.

5.3 Plagiarism and Originality

  • Original Content: Submit only original work that has not been published elsewhere.
  • Attribution: Properly attribute all borrowed content, ideas, and quotations to their rightful owners.

5.4 Privacy and Sensitivity

  • Respect Privacy: Avoid disclosing private or sensitive information about individuals without explicit consent.
  • Sensitive Topics: Handle sensitive subjects with care, ensuring respectful and considerate coverage.

6. Image and Media Usage

Visual elements enhance the appeal and clarity of our content. Follow these guidelines for images and media:

6.1 Image Quality

  • Resolution: Submit high-resolution images (minimum 300 DPI) to ensure clarity in print and digital formats.
  • Formats: Acceptable formats include JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.

6.2 Copyright and Permissions

  • Ownership: Ensure you have the rights or permissions to use and publish any images or media included in your submission.
  • Attribution: Provide appropriate credit for all images, including the photographer’s name and source.

6.3 Captions and Descriptions

  • Informative Captions: Include descriptive captions that provide context to the images.
  • Descriptive Alt Text: For digital publications, provide alt text for accessibility purposes.

7. Review and Editing Process

All submissions undergo a thorough review and editing process to ensure quality and adherence to guidelines:

7.1 Editorial Review

  • Initial Assessment: The editorial team reviews submissions for relevance, accuracy, and compliance with guidelines.
  • Feedback: Authors may receive feedback or requests for revisions to improve their submissions.

7.2 Editing and Proofreading

  • Content Editing: Editors may suggest changes to enhance clarity, structure, and flow.
  • Copyediting: Focus on grammar, punctuation, and adherence to the AP Stylebook.
  • Proofreading: Final check for typographical errors and formatting consistency.

7.3 Approval and Publication

  • Author Approval: Authors review and approve the final edited version before publication.
  • Scheduling: Approved articles are scheduled for publication based on editorial priorities and deadlines.

8. Publication Policies

Our publication policies ensure transparency and accountability in our content dissemination:

8.1 Corrections and Retractions

  • Corrections: Issue corrections promptly for factual errors discovered after publication.
  • Retractions: In cases of significant inaccuracies or ethical breaches, retract the affected content with a clear explanation.

8.2 Disclaimer

  • Content Responsibility: Washington Business Journals is not liable for the content provided by third parties. All opinions expressed are those of the authors unless otherwise stated.
  • External Links: We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of information on external websites linked from our publications.

9. Copyright and Licensing

Protecting intellectual property rights is essential. Adhere to the following policies:

9.1 Copyright Ownership

  • Original Work: Authors retain copyright of their original content but grant Washington Business Journals the right to publish and distribute the work.
  • Licensed Content: Ensure proper licensing for any third-party content included in your submissions.

9.2 Licensing Terms

  • Exclusive Rights: Upon acceptance, Washington Business Journals holds the exclusive rights to publish and distribute the content in all formats.
  • Reuse and Republishing: Reuse or republishing of content requires explicit permission from Washington Business Journals.