ABC 24 Times publishes a small number of guest columns alongside the work of our staff columnists. We want arguments from people who know a subject closely and can explain it to a curious reader on a phone, without jargon and without a sales pitch. This page explains what we look for and how the process works.
What we look for
- An original argument. A clear claim the author is willing to defend, not a summary of the news.
- Evidence. Examples, data and experience that support the claim. Figures should be attributed to whoever reports them.
- Disclosure. Tell us about any financial, professional or personal interest in the topic. We may print a short disclosure line beneath the column.
- A constructive tone. We welcome disagreement, but not contempt. Columns that propose, rather than only complain, tend to fit our voice best.
Length and format
Guest columns run 700 to 900 words. Send plain text in the body of an email, with a working headline, a one-sentence summary of your argument and a two-line description of who you are. Please do not send attachments or press releases.
How to pitch
Email [email protected] with your idea in a short paragraph, or send a finished draft if you have one. Tell us why you are the right person to make this argument now. We read every pitch, but we cannot promise a reply to each one, and we may take some time during busy news periods.
The editing process
Accepted columns are edited for clarity, length and accuracy. An editor will check factual claims and may ask for sources. We will discuss substantial changes with you before publication, and you will see the final version before it goes live whenever timing allows. Opinion pieces are clearly labeled and kept separate from news reporting, in line with our Editorial Standards.
Payment and rights
We do not currently promise payment for guest columns. If that changes, we will say so here and agree terms in writing before publication. By submitting a column you confirm that it is your own work, that it has not been published elsewhere, and that you are free to give us permission to publish it. You keep ownership of your writing. We ask for the right to publish, edit for style and length, and archive the piece on ABC 24 Times.
Our staff columnists
For context, the columns you will see most often come from three staff voices. These are illustrative launch-edition personas:
- Amara Mendez writes on technology and the choices behind it.
- David Lin writes on markets, work and the economy.
- Zara Khemir writes on culture and modern living.
Guest columns are meant to complement these perspectives, not echo them. If you disagree with something we have published, a letter may be the better route. See Letters to the Editors for how that works.
What we do not publish
We do not run columns that are disguised advertising, personal attacks, or unverifiable claims about named individuals. We also decline pieces that offer medical, legal or investment advice. Corrections to published columns follow our Corrections Policy.