Ask the Professor guidelines
With Ask the Professor pieces, we're trying to pose and answer topical/controversial/helpful questions and showcase the amazing expertise of members of the Wolf Pack. Answers should be pretty high level (i.e., we're hoping for answers that school children / the average community member can wrap their heads around). Questions may be provided to you.
- Length: 300 to 500 words
- Tone: Third-person POV, knowledgeable yet approachable, respectful, accessible, and readable/entertaining
- Byline: Please include your name, a quick (around 50 words) bio, and a link to your faculty page
- Images: Beyond your faculty photo, you may want to include an image with your answer. This isn't necessary, but please feel free to attach anything you think might augment your piece.
- Publishing timeline: Unless your answer is especially timely, it will be added to the queue and published within a few weeks of submission.
Tips for a successful submission
- Establish your main message early.
- Be descriptive. Don't just tell readers. Use language that shows and explains.
- Deal in concrete examples. Provide description.
- Avoid self-promotion. Self-promotion is best served cold, in your bio.
- Give credit. Check quotations. Double check facts. Cite sources in a "journalistic" style rather than an "academic" style.
- Use the Associated Press Stylebook as your guide. (We'll be editing these on our end, so don't worry too much about this.)