Guest Blogging Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in guest blogging for the Writers’ Community of York Region blog. WCYR wants to give writers an opportunity to publish their work and add to their portfolios. We are looking to showcase a diverse group of writers’ voices, from beginner to experienced, in a variety of genres, all with the aim of engaging our readers in the exploration of the writing life.

WCYR is now paying $50 per single published blog post, with a maximum of one paid blog post published per member each WCYR season (running September to August in a given year).

Please read the WCYR guest blogging guidelines listed below before you submit.

Note: you must be a member of the Writers’ Community of York Region (WCYR) in order to submit a guest blog.

Blogging Guidelines

There are two categories for guest blogs:

  • Paid Posts ~ $50.00 for an article-style or personal essay-style blog (usually longer)
  • General Posts ~ for a standard, relaxed/professional blog style (usually shorter)

Please read the WCYR guest blogging guidelines listed below before you submit.

1)   Blog’s voice: Guest posts are in the guest blogger’s own voice and does not represent the WCYR in any overarching way.

2)   Word count: 300 words minimum to 500 words maximum. Should the posts run longer, a decision will be made to split the post into two entries if the content warrants this.

3)   Content: Posts must be original content, related to the concept of writing and/or reading.

  • General Posts ~ Content intent should be to share an experience, relay personal insight, explore a concept or idea.
  • Paid Posts ~ Content should aim to teach the reader or share an idea/lesson learned.

Note: We will not accept content focused on self-promotion (i.e. book launch, personal announcements, etc.), as there are other platforms for these types of posts available.

4)  Layout: “How-to” and “list” posts are welcome. Subheadings are encouraged. Display information in portion-controlled sizes. Help the reader navigate through your post.

5)  Images: Please include an image. Images must follow copyright laws, and be provided with one of the following:

  • Permission from the photographer
  • Proof of purchase
  • Labeled as “free to use or share”

6)  Writer Bio: We do not accept anonymous works. When submitting your guest post for approval, please include:

  • Short author bio showcasing your writing experience.
  • One link to website or blog and up to two social media profile links (optional).
  • Author headshot image (optional).

7)  Submission guidelines:

  • Submit your entry as a Word Document attachment or equivalent (single spaced, Times New Roman or Calibri, font size 12) using the submission form on the website.
  • If you’d like hyperlinks inserted into your entry, please note this directly in the text, in parentheses and with the font in bold. Hyperlinks should not be directed at self-promotion. They must be necessary/beneficial to the reader in order to be used within the post.
  • Please attach any images for the blog post, as well as your headshot image, separately.

8)   Editing: WCYR reserves the right to edit all posts for content quality, as well as spelling, grammar, punctuation and blog layout. The blog author will be made aware of these changes prior to publication.

9)   Publishing post: If the submitted post is published, the author will be contacted. The WCYR Blog Editor will post the entry on your behalf.

10)   Promoting: The post will be promoted via Twitter account (@wcyrca) and the WCYR Facebook Page.

11) Payment: WCYR pays $50 per accepted published blog post, with a maximum of one paid blog post published per member each WCYR season (running September to August). Bloggers must submit an invoice to WCYR and payment will be made by cheque or PayPal.

If you enjoy your WCYR guest-blogging experience, please consider contributing in the future!

Submit your blog!