If we accept you into the ranks, we'll typically assign you an article with a two-month lead time. We reserve the right to accept you into the ranks without a specific assignment in place, however. Irregular contributors work on spec, meaning a contract is only sent after the work is deemed of publishable quality. New contributors can expect at least one draft sent back with suggestions for improvement. Revisions must be completed on short notice.
Regular contributors receive contracts at least one month prior to the deadline.
Contracts are accompanied by a detailed assignment memo outlining the concept and scope of the article and listing sources, where necessary. Articles are sent back to regular contributors on an infrequent basis, unless the article deviates from the assignment memo or CU style. We appreciate a light-hearted approach and we encourage authors to develop a unique voice. We also encourage new angles, perspectives, and twists on stories wherever possible. We expect interesting leads that can be woven into the structure of your pieces.