uploadarticle write for us: Guest Posting Guide & Tips

Few things are as frustrating as finding a great blog you admire, only to realize its submission guidelines are buried in an obscure page. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, knowing exactly what editors want—from format to tone—can make or break your pitch. We have looked at the submission requirements of five respected online publications to create a one-stop guide for guest authors. Here is what you need to know.

Featured publications: 5 top-tier blogs (A List Apart, Smashing Magazine, SitePoint, Directions Blog, OpenGlobalRights) ·
Preferred submission format: Google Document (as per A List Apart guidelines) ·
Typical review process: Varies by publication; some require a pitch (SitePoint), others accept full drafts (A List Apart) ·
Editorial guides available: Yes (Smashing Magazine, Directions Blog)

These four cards summarize the core knowns and unknowns for guest authors.

The five publications differ in submission format and editorial expectations. One pattern stands out: all of them explicitly reject generic or promotional content.

The implication: if you want to write for SitePoint, you need a strong pitch upfront; for the others, a completed draft is the typical starting point.

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What should readers know first about uploadarticle write for us?

Guest posting starts with understanding what each publication actually wants. A List Apart, for example, explicitly rejects press releases or sales pitches and asks for a thesis-driven argument with a bold voice (A List Apart contribute page). Smashing Magazine publishes a comprehensive writing guide that outlines their editorial process and expectations (Smashing Magazine write-for-us page). SitePoint looks for developers and designers who can pitch specific article ideas (SitePoint become-a-writer page).

The pattern: every one of these sites values originality over recycled topics. They want concrete examples, data-backed claims, and a clear argument. Generic “10 tips” articles rarely make the cut.

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Despite clear guidelines from each publication, several details remain fuzzy. The exact word counts—A List Apart and Smashing Magazine don’t publish strict minimums, while others like OpenGlobalRights suggest “short articles.” Average response times are also unpublished; anecdotal reports range from two weeks to two months. Additionally, there is no central “write for us” page for uploadarticle itself—it redirects to a general contact form. Guest authors should verify current policies directly on each site before submitting.

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What official guidelines exist for guest posting?

Each publication hosts a dedicated contributor page that spells out their requirements. A List Apart’s contribute page prefers Google Doc submissions for inline editing. Smashing Magazine’s write-for-us page links to a full guide covering structure, tone, and review process. SitePoint’s become-a-writer page explains the pitching workflow. Directions Blog provides a writer’s guide (Directions Blog write-for-us page) based on good practices. OpenGlobalRights (OpenGlobalRights write-for-us page) specifies short, evidence-based articles on human rights strategies and scholarship.

The trade-off: these official pages are authoritative—they come directly from the editorial teams. But they don’t always include response times or acceptance rates. You’ll get the rules, not the odds.

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How do I submit an article?

Submission methods vary. A List Apart wants a Google Doc emailed to the editorial address. Smashing Magazine accepts complete drafts through their online form. SitePoint requires a pitch via their web form before you write a full article. Directions Blog welcomes submissions by email and provides a writer’s guide. OpenGlobalRights also takes email submissions.

The catch: sending the wrong format (e.g., pitching SitePoint with a full draft) will likely get your submission ignored. Match the method exactly.

What topics are accepted?

A List Apart covers web design, development, and UX arguments. Smashing Magazine focuses on front-end development, design, and UX. SitePoint wants practical web technology articles for developers and designers. Directions Blog is open to digital scholarship, data, and open science. OpenGlobalRights is specifically for human rights analysis and strategies.

The implication: don’t pitch a human rights piece to Smashing Magazine. Tailor your topic to the publication’s explicit niche.

Do I need to pitch?

Only SitePoint explicitly requires a pitch before writing. The other four accept complete drafts, though Directions Blog encourages a brief pitch email to avoid wasted effort. A List Apart and Smashing Magazine prefer a full submission that shows your writing and argument.

What this means: if you’re short on time, start with a publication that accepts drafts. If you have a strong idea but want feedback, pitch SitePoint first.

“We prefer submissions as Google documents so that editors can easily provide feedback and guidance directly within your draft.”

A List Apart editorial team

“We have a full guide to our writing process here, we aim to create a great experience for authors and to help you publish your best work with us.”

Smashing Magazine editorial team

“We’re looking for developers and designers to write about web technologies. Find out how to pitch us and what we’re looking for.”

SitePoint editorial team

Knowing each publication’s process saves time and frustration. The guided approach helps you tailor your submission, but the real challenge is writing something editors can’t ignore.

For the guest author who treats submission guidelines as a checklist rather than a hurdle, the next step is straightforward: pick the publication whose audience matches your expertise, follow their format to the letter, and submit something original. For anyone who skips that step, the rejection pile awaits. The choice is yours.

How to prepare a guest post submission

1. Read the editorial guidelines for your target publication.
2. Choose the publication that matches your expertise.
3. Prepare your submission in the required format (Google Doc, pitch, or full draft).
4. Submit via the correct channel (email or web form).
5. Wait at least three weeks before sending a polite follow-up.

For those seeking similar opportunities, the Twastia.com guest posting guidelines offer a comparable approach tailored to the Australian market.

Frequently asked questions

The pattern across all these questions: preparedness and patience are rewarded.

Writers who follow the steps above avoid the silence.