StraitConnect – Contributing Author Guidelines
One Community Voice, Every Month
One guest writer spot available per month
StraitConnect opens one dedicated guest writer spot each month for someone in the community to share their voice, perspective, and lived experience. This opportunity is for storytellers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community advocates who want to contribute thoughtful writing rooted in everyday life and local connection.
Contributing authors help shape meaningful conversations by sharing stories, insights, and neighborhood perspectives with readers who care about community, collaboration, and showing up for one another.
Section 01
Who This Opportunity Is For
Storytellers & Writers
Creatives & Cultural Workers
Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Community Advocates & Organizers
You don't need to be a professional writer. What matters most is clarity, care, and a point of view grounded in real experience.
Section 02
What We're Looking For
We welcome articles that:
- Explore community stories, local culture, or neighborhood impact
- Reflect lived experience, local insight, or community-based work
- Offer value, inspiration, or practical knowledge
- Encourage reflection or thoughtful conversation
- Align with StraitLeap's mission of connection, growth, and community-building
Section 03
How the Guest Writer Spot Works
One guest writer is selected each month. Selected pieces appear in the StraitConnect newsletter. Articles typically range from 500–1,000 words.
Tone: Conversational, clear, and community-centered
Required: Title · Author name & short bio (2–3 sentences) · Main article (up to 1,000 words)
Ownership: Authors retain ownership of their work
Originality: Original content only — not previously published elsewhere
We review submissions on a rolling basis and reach out directly if your piece is selected.
Section 04
How to Submit
To be considered for the guest writer spot:
- Prepare a short pitch or a completed draft
- Include a brief bio (2–3 sentences)
- Share links to previous writing, if available (optional)
Submissions should reflect your authentic voice and a clear connection to community.
Email Your Submission
Email: [email protected]
Please include:
- Your full article (attached as a Word document or pasted into the email)
- A short bio (2–3 sentences)
- Optional: a headshot or photo to accompany your feature
Section 05
Submission Details
Monthly Deadline
15th of Each Month
All submissions are due by the 15th for consideration in the upcoming issue.
Selection
One Contributor Per Issue
One contributor is selected for each upcoming issue of StraitConnect.
Word Count
500 – 1,000 Words
Articles should be clear, concise, and community-centered within this range.
Response Time
3–5 Business Days
You'll hear back from our team within 3–5 business days after the submission deadline.
Section 06
What Contributors Receive
Newsletter Feature Spotlight
A featured spotlight in the StraitConnect newsletter, reaching an engaged, community-focused audience across the Bronx.
Full Author Credit
Credit with your name, bio, and links to your website or social platforms — amplifying your own presence alongside your story.
Social Media Promotion
Promotion across StraitLeap social media channels when applicable, extending the reach of your story beyond the newsletter.
Community Platform
An opportunity to share your work with a growing, engaged, community-focused audience who values local storytelling and connection.
You'll hear back from our team within 3–5 business days after the submission deadline regarding your submission status. We review submissions on a rolling basis and reach out directly if your piece is selected.
Ready to Share Your Story?
Submit Your Pitch or Draft
Email your pitch, completed draft, and short bio to [email protected]. Submissions are due by the 15th of each month for consideration in the upcoming issue.