Submission Guidelines
The Civic Press is a youth-led, politically independent publication dedicated to helping young people understand politics, society, economics, history, and international affairs. We welcome submissions from young writers who are curious about the world and want to contribute thoughtful, evidence-based perspectives to the conversation. Submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Every submission is reviewed by our editorial team.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Strong submissions usually demonstrate:
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Curiosity
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Evidence
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Original thinking
POLITICAL CONTENT & EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE
The Civic Press aims to provide a politically independent platform.
We do not require contributors to hold a particular political viewpoint.
You may argue for or against a policy, idea, or political position in an opinion piece. However, arguments should be supported by evidence and should accurately represent opposing or alternative perspectives where relevant.
ORIGINALITY
Your submission must be your own work. Do not:
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Plagiarise another person's writing.
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Copy or substantially reproduce another article.
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Present someone else's ideas as your own without attribution.
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Fabricate quotations, statistics, sources, interviews, or evidence.
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Submit work written primarily by another person.
If you have used another person's research, ideas, words, photographs, graphics, data, or other material, credit the original source appropriately.
We reject or withdraw any submission if significant plagiarism or fabrication is discovered.
PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED WORK
We prefer work that has not previously been published elsewhere.
If your piece has previously appeared on another website, school publication, competition, blog, or social-media platform, tell us when submitting it. Previously published work may be considered depending on the circumstances.
THE CIVIC PRESS AI POLICY
We recognise that AI tools can be useful during the writing process. However, your submission must reflect your own ideas, analysis, judgment, and voice. We recommend, however, that your submission must reflect your own ideas, analysis, judgment, and voice. AI may be used for limited assistance such as: brainstorming ideas, developing questions to research, organising notes, and understanding unfamiliar concepts before independently researching them. Please do not use AI to: invent sources, fabricate quotations, create fake statistics, manufacture evidence, misrepresent research, plagiarise another writer, or generate an article that you present as entirely your own writing.
Please also keep in mind of the environmental effects that Artificial Intellegence can have on our planet before you being the writing process. If you have any questions regarding our AI policy, please feel free to use the contact form to send us a quick message, or email us at thecivicpress@gmail.com
WORD COUNTS
For a standard article / analysis, we recommend around 800-1500 words. For a more long form, research piece, we require at least 1500-2500 words. For an opinion piece, we prefer around 700-1500 words. These are guidelines rather than absolute limits. If you have an idea that requires a significantly different length, explain this in your submission.
SOURCES & RESEARCH
Depending on your topic, useful sources may include:
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Government publications
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International organisations
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Academic research
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Official statistics
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Primary documents
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Reputable news organisations
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Books and scholarly publications
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Expert interviews
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Reliable datasets
Whenever possible, prioritise primary sources for statistics, laws, official statements, reports, and other factual claims. We recommend to not rely on a single source for a complex or contested issue.
EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE
The Civic Press retains editorial independence over what we publish and how it is edited. Submitting an article does not give an author the right to demand publication, a particular headline, or a particular editorial presentation.
Similarly, sources and contributors should not expect to approve an article before publication.
Where factual clarification is necessary, editors may contact sources or contributors to verify information.
PUBLICATION RIGHTS
By submitting your work, you give The Civic Press permission to review it for publication.
If your work is accepted, we will confirm the applicable publication and reuse terms with you before publication.
You retain ownership of your original work unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.
Submission Form
Ready to share your insights with the world? Use the form below to submit your article pitch or upload a draft for our editorial team to review.
Submission FAQ
What is the typical response time?
Our editorial team reviews pitches weekly. You can expect a response within 7-10 business days regarding your submission status.
How does the editing process work?
Selected articles undergo a collaborative review. Our editors work with you to refine clarity, evidence, and tone while preserving your voice.
Who retains the rights to articles?
Authors retain intellectual property rights, granting The Civic Press an exclusive license for the first 90 days following publication.
Is there an age requirement?
While we focus on youth journalism, we accept submissions from anyone 13 and older. Minors may require parental consent to publish.
Do you accept opinion pieces?
Yes, we welcome evidence-based op-eds. Submissions should be grounded in facts and research to align with our editorial standards.
Can I submit a previously published article?
We prioritize original, unpublished research and analysis. In rare cases, we consider reprints if they provide significant civic value.