How to submit an article

So you want to see your byline on opensource.com?  Here's how.

Guidelines for writing an article or a draft

• The topic should highlight the qualities of the open source way.
• Sample articles should be between 300-800 words.
• Include a title and list any resources or materials you've referenced.
• Spellcheck, spellcheck, spellcheck :)

Submitting an article or blog post

1. Contact the opensource.com admins through this mailform. Provide us with the following information:
   • your name and your opensource.com login (if you have one)
   • any relevant information about what you do or who you work for*
   • an email address where we can contact you
   • an outline or draft of the article you'd like us to consider OR information about the project or topic you think we should write about

   See our submission guidelines (above) for some helpful hints on writing outlines/drafts. Make sure you check out the list of topics for information on the subject areas opensource.com focuses on, as well as our material on license and copyright.

   * if you work for Red Hat, or are a vendor or partner of Red Hat, be sure you let us know so that we can be transparent about your role with the company in any work you do for opensource.com.

2. We'll reply within a week, and let you know whether we're interested, and how to proceed.

   If we don't accept your submission—don't feel bad. It may be that somebody's already working on the topic, or it's something we've recently covered. It might be a topic we've decided not to address. And sometimes we simply get over-booked in one channel, and can't promise a timely publication. We're happy to give feedback and suggestions if there are technical reasons your piece doesn't fit. Unless your mail is rude or profane (or shameless spam or advertising), you will get a response.

3. Once we have reviewed and accepted your submission, here's what happens next:
   • A channel moderator for the appropriate channel will contact you, through the email address you provided.
   • If you've submitted a draft, the moderator will provide feedback. We're fortunate to have a great community of talented writers able to peer-review each other's work.
   • If the topic is of interest to someone else from our community, or they have work-in-progress on the subject, you might be introduced to them, and invited to collaborate on the article.
   • If you could use some help taking your draft or outline to article form, we'll hook you up with a writer or editor who can help you get things going, or offer advice.
4. Once you're ready to publish, make sure you have:
   • created an account on opensource.com
   • added a picture or image to your account
   • filled in a brief bio (feel free to link to your personal website or blog)