Contributor Submission Guidelines

Atlas News is built on contributions from professionals and researchers with expertise in conflict, geopolitics, defense, security, and strategy. Our contributors include open-source researchers, regional specialists, military analysts, academics, and journalists.

If you can produce fact-based, verifiable, and analytically sound reporting, we want to hear from you. This page details exactly what we look for, what makes a submission successful, and what to avoid.

Before submitting, ask yourself:

• Does this piece bring meaningful, high-context insight to global events?
• Would it meet the analytical expectations of readers working in defense, government, or risk analysis?
• Is it supported by evidence, methodology, or professional expertise?

We prioritize quality over volume. First-time submissions are closely reviewed before publication. Time-sensitive submissions (breaking within 12–24 hours) should be coordinated in advance.

1. Thesis and Insight

Every submission must be built around a clear, defensible thesis that provides actionable or explanatory insight.

• Define the specific development, trend, or issue your piece addresses.
• Ensure the topic is timely, relevant, and strategically important.
• Support your claims with verifiable sources, professional expertise, or structured reasoning.
• Provide insight that adds value beyond what is already widely reported.

Your argument should be:

• Traceable (sources and logic can be followed)
• Defensible (able to withstand scrutiny)
• Grounded in evidence, methodology, or direct expertise

2. Depth Over Recap

Atlas News does not publish thin summaries or rehashed news. Submissions must demonstrate substance and analysis.

• Draw clear connections between evidence and conclusions
• Provide regional, historical, or operational context where relevant
• Engage with counterarguments, limitations, or unknowns
• Include supporting material when appropriate:
  • Source links
  • Data or charts
  • Maps, annotated imagery, or graphics (originals preferred, with attribution)
• Include a forward-facing perspective: what comes next, or what the implications are

If using restricted or non-public data, explain your methodology clearly enough to be assessed.

3. Structure and Presentation

Strong analysis must be clearly structured. Submissions should read like a briefing product, not a casual essay.

• Open with a short, precise summary of your thesis
• Use section headers to organize the piece logically
• Begin each section with a topic sentence that frames the point
• Conclude with a summary or forward-looking observation
• Proofread thoroughly for clarity and professional tone

Formatting expectations:

• Concise paragraphs (no walls of text)
• Consistent citation style
• Avoid jargon unless defined for the reader

4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Submissions will be rejected if they fall into these categories:

1. Aggregation – Summarizing other outlets without adding original analysis.
2. Opinion stacking – Stringing together external quotes without your own input.
3. Vague claims – Assertions without specific evidence or logic.
4. History-only framing – Background is useful, but your thesis must point forward. Unless it's a 'history of X' type piece.
5. Speculation or hype – No alarmism, no clickbait.
6. Oversaturated topics – Choose issues where you can add something new.
7. Lightweight work – Anything less than structured, multi-paragraph analysis.
8. Unverifiable allegations – No anonymous claims or conspiracy material.
9. Listicles or overviews – Focused, single-issue analysis only.
10. Entry-level writing – Assume readers already understand basics; go straight to insight.

5. Contributor Standards

✅ Do:

• Ground claims in sources, methodology, or expertise
• Attribute all quotes, images, and external material
• Submit structured, briefing-grade writing
• Treat the work as an intelligence-grade product

❌ Don’t:

• Send unformed opinions or casual commentary
• Use partisan framing or ideological language
• Submit unproofed drafts with unclear structure
• Republish or plagiarize existing work. This does not mean make it boring or bullet points or intel grade product. It just means don't use words like 'riveting' or 'literally'.

6. Submission Process

Atlas News does not require contracts, quotas, or fixed deadlines. You contribute when you have a piece worth publishing.

When submitting for the first time, include:

• A short bio or CV
• Any relevant professional or academic experience (defense, policy, journalism, OSINT, etc.)
• A writing sample or a clear pitch for your first piece

If your submission is accepted, an editor will provide feedback or request revisions as needed before publication.