guidelines for authors

1. Article Title:
   • Use a descriptive and engaging title that captures the essence of the article.
2. Introduction (Approximately 1-2 paragraphs):
   • Begin with a hook or an intriguing question to captivate the reader's attention.
   • Clearly state the purpose of the article and what readers can expect to learn.
   • Cite your primary resource in the introduction section. (at least one is mandatory per article)
3. Subheadings:
   • Use subheadings to break up the article into distinct sections.
4. Content (Body):
   • Keep paragraphs concise and focused, ideally 3-4 sentences per paragraph.
   • Use bullet points and numbered lists when presenting information in a list format.
   • Back up statements with data, research, or real-world examples.
   • Feel free to express your thoughts in your personal style.
   • Attribute sources and provide links to external references when applicable.
   • Maintain a balanced tone and be respectful even when discussing contentious topics.
5. Visuals (Images, Infographics, etc.):
   • Include relevant images, charts, graphs, or infographics to enhance understanding.
   • Ensure that visuals are high quality and properly sourced.
6. Citations and References:
   • Include a reference section at the end of the article for readers to explore further.
   • Cite external sources using the MLA-style. Here are some examples:

(Smith)
(Johnson and White 45)
(Brown et al. 75)
Works Cited section:
Smith, A. Title of the Book. Publisher, 2020.
Johnson, Peter, and Robert White. "Title of the Article." Journal Name, vol. 30, no. 2, 2018, pp. 45-60.
Brown, Carol, et al. "Title of the Report." Organization Name, 2019

7. Readability and Grammar:
   • Review for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
   • Keep sentences and paragraphs concise and clear.
8. Length:
   • Aim for a word count that allows comprehensive coverage without overwhelming the reader. Typically, articles should be between 800 to 1,500 words, but adjust as needed based on the complexity of the topic.
9. Conclusion (Approximately 1-2 paragraphs):
   • Summarize the key takeaways from the article.
   • Restate the main points and provide a sense of closure.
   • Encourage readers to share the article or take a specific action.
10. Call to Action:
    • Encourage readers to engage further, such as sharing the article on social media, exploring related content on the platform, or signing up for newsletters.
    • Include engaging elements like quotes, anecdotes, or questions that encourage readers to interact with the content.
11. Author's Bio:
    • Provide a brief author bio, highlighting relevant credentials and expertise.
    • Include links to the author's other work or social media profiles.
12. Tags and Categories:
    • Assign appropriate tags and categories to the article for organization and discoverability.
13. SEO Guidelines:
    • Use relevant keywords in the article's title, headings, and throughout the content.
    • Include meta descriptions and optimize images with descriptive alt text.
    • Ensure the article's URL is SEO-friendly and reflects the title.
14. AI Guideline:
    
    • Maintain a balance where approximately 80 percent of the content is human-generated, ensuring a personal and creative touch, while allowing a maximum of 20 percent to be AI-generated to enhance efficiency and data-driven elements. Other than that, use it to support your ideas, creativity and inspiration but make sure your ideas are at the forefront.

 If you have any questions or concerns regarding this framework, don't hesitate to contact info@theindependenthub.at