Submission Guidelines for Letters & Guest Commentary
Maryland Bay News welcomes thoughtful contributions from readers, community members, public officials, subject-matter experts, and advocates. We publish Letters to the Editor, guest commentary, and occasional invited essays that advance public understanding, civic dialogue, or policy debate in Maryland.
Please review the following guidelines before submitting your work.
1. Types of Submissions We Accept
Letters to the Editor
Short responses from readers reacting to recent articles or public issues.
Length: 150–300 words
Tone: Clear, concise, fact-driven
Purpose: To offer public perspective, concerns, or clarification
Guest Commentary / Op-Eds
Original essays offering argument, insight, policy analysis, or expert experience.
Length: 700–1,200 words
Purpose: To elevate voices and viewpoints that inform Maryland’s civic discourse
Expert or Practitioner Commentary
Pieces submitted by professionals in law, government, education, healthcare, etc.
Length: 800–1,400 words
Purpose: To provide context, technical clarity, or real-world insight
2. Requirements for All Submissions
- Work must be original and not previously published elsewhere.
- Claims of fact must be accurate, verifiable, and supported by sources.
- Submissions may not defame individuals, promote harassment, or include unverified allegations.
- We do not publish content written by generative AI tools without substantial human authorship.
- We may edit for clarity, style, grammar, length, and accuracy.
- Not all submissions will be published, and editorial decisions are final.
3. Disclosure Policy
Writers must disclose:
- Conflicts of interest
- Professional affiliations
- Financial interests
- Legal involvement in the issue they are writing about
MDBayNews will include disclosures when relevant.
4. Editing and Corrections
Maryland Bay News may edit submissions for clarity and factual accuracy. Substantive changes will be discussed with the author when possible. Published pieces may be corrected if necessary under our Corrections Policy.
5. Submission Process
Email your submission to:
editor@mdbaynews.com
(You can replace with any address you prefer.)
Include:
- Full name
- City/town of residence
- Phone number (not for publication)
- Short bio (1–2 sentences)
- Your submission pasted into the body of the email
Attachments in Word or PDF are acceptable but not required.
6. Publication Timeline
We aim to review all submissions within 3–5 business days.
Time-sensitive commentary may be expedited at the discretion of the editor.
7. Rights
By submitting, you grant Maryland Bay News a nonexclusive right to publish your work on our website, social platforms, and archives.