Contributor Agreement for Guest Commentary & Opinion Submissions
This Contributor Agreement outlines the terms under which Maryland Bay News (“MDBayNews”) accepts and publishes guest commentary, op-eds, letters, and other submitted works. By submitting content, the contributor (“Author”) agrees to the following terms.
1. Originality and Rights
The Author affirms that:
- The submitted work is original and created solely by the Author.
- The work has not been published elsewhere, including personal blogs or social platforms.
- The work does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights.
The Author grants MDBayNews a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to publish the work on its website, social platforms, newsletters, and archives.
The Author retains all copyright.
2. Accuracy and Responsibility
The Author affirms that:
- All factual claims are truthful, accurate, and verifiable.
- No unsupported allegations, defamatory statements, or knowingly false claims are included.
- Sources are accurately represented.
- The Author is solely responsible for the content of the submission.
MDBayNews reserves the right to fact-check any submission.
3. Editing and Publication
MDBayNews reserves the right to:
- edit the work for clarity, style, grammar, length, and accuracy
- request revisions
- decline publication for any reason
- remove the work if legal concerns arise
Substantive edits affecting meaning will be discussed when possible.
4. Disclosure Requirements
The Author must disclose:
- conflicts of interest
- financial interests
- relevant employment or affiliations
- legal involvement in the subject matter
- personal relationships that may influence the piece
MDBayNews may publish disclosures as deemed appropriate.
5. No Compensation
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Author agrees that the submission is provided without financial compensation.
6. Use of Name and Biography
The Author grants MDBayNews the right to publish:
- the Author’s name
- city of residence
- a short biography
- headshot (optional)
Letters to the Editor may be published with abbreviated identification at the editor’s discretion.
7. Withdrawal
Once a submission is accepted for publication, the Author may not withdraw it except in extraordinary circumstances and with the agreement of the Editor-in-Chief.
8. Legal Indemnification
The Author agrees to indemnify and hold harmless MDBayNews against claims arising from:
- defamation
- copyright infringement
- misrepresentation
- invasion of privacy
- failure to disclose conflicts
This does not apply to errors introduced solely through editorial changes.
9. Agreement
By submitting material to MDBayNews, the Author acknowledges and agrees to all terms of this Contributor Agreement.