FAQ

Q: How strict are the word count requirements for a single article? Is there a recommendation to the maximum amount of extra words I can go over the limit?

A: We expect our volunteer writers to create articles between 750 to 1250 words on a topic within their chosen field of study, such as economics, politics, finance and STEM. You will have a close working relationship with a member of our editorial team who will guide you on the recommendations related to length and content of an article. 

Q: Is there a site or database that the editorial board recommends I use for my sources?

A: Oftentimes, access to digital libraries of academic journals, books, and primary sources depends on academic institutions and the majors of our volunteer writers. Overall, SnoQap’s editorial board encourages its writers to seek out research based, credible sources, similarly to those students would use for their academic research papers for a college-level class. The editorial board, and your audience, will expect you to back up your assertions with the most credible and reliable information possible so that they can trust in your expertise. It is important to note that you are not discouraged from using mainstream publications to draw attention to your topic of focus; however, your article should primarily rely on scholarly and academic sources to ensure highest quality of information sharing. 

Q: Is there a specific minimum amount of citations expected in a single article?

A: Our volunteer writers are encouraged to use, at minimum, one scholarly source and 1 non-scholarly, credible source for a single article. In general, when writing an article, you should seek out a variety of diverse perspectives on the topic at hand, thus resulting in a need and requirement to gather more credible sources. 

Q: How many academic sources (from journals and academic reviews) are expected to be cited in a single article?

A: The amount of academic sources cited in a single article will depend on the focus of your article; however, the general recommendation would be, at minimum, two academic sources that could be classified as credible sources. A credible source is one that is unbiased and is backed up with evidence.  

Q: Is there a certain kind of citation/formatting style that is the standard for SnoQap?

A: SnoQap encourages its volunteer writers to use either of the following citation styles: MLA 7th edition, MLA 8th edition or APA 7th edition. Should you not be familiar with using these styles of citation, we encourage our writers to use free, citation generating softwares. 

Q: On the acceptance form it says that I have to specify what topics I wish to cover for SnoQap. Is it fine if I want to cover a range of topics and have an open approach to ideas for my articles?

A: SnoQap’s volunteer writers are encouraged to explore a range of topics throughout their time with the organization. However, upon acceptance, we try to integrate new writers internally based on their board specified interest from the acceptance form-- Finance/Economics, Politics or STEM. This also ensures that new writers are introduced to a mentor that could best assist them in their academic and professional journey. 

Q: If I do write for SnoQap, will I be allowed to send the articles that I write for the organization to other places to be published as well?

A: Yes, our volunteer writers are allowed to share articles written for SnoQap on other publishing mediums and websites. After the first six months of publication, the volunteer writer may, with Editor in Chief's written permission, independently have his article published in another medium or by another publisher. Editor in Chief shall not unreasonably withhold its permission from the volunteer writer regarding this independent publication. It is understood that this additional publication will create parallel publications of the same article. Volunteer writers’ independent publication shall not amend, change or expand the article as published by the Editor in Chief. The Author's independent publication shall not be a part of a compendium or collection which competes with the Editor in Chief's present or intended compendium or collection

Q: On the acceptance form my bio is not fitting within the character limit. Can I submit a longer version of my bio separately or is the character limit the maximum I should aim for?

A: The character limit for your bio on the acceptance form is 400 characters. 

Q: Is there a specific page where I can review the style, formatting, content, and academic requirements and standards that are expected from writers at SnoQap?

A: The members of SnoQap’s Board of Directors, in cooperation with the administration team of the organization, are working on developing a unified writing standards document to define expectations from writers and the editors when publishing articles. 

Q: How can I improve my writing to match SnoQap's criteria/standards?

A: Improvement in writing comes with practice. It is why SnoQap’s leadership team does not expect its new volunteer writers to match SnoQap’s writing expectations from the first article submission. Rather, we expect our volunteer writers to be open to improving their critical thinking and research skills through writing and working with the editorial board and other members of the SnoQap team. We expect regular communication and your time commitment, which we believe leads to improvement of your writing and research style. 

Q: Can I get some specific feedback from the editors on the content of my article as well as on my writing style?

A: Yes, upon acceptance to the organization, you will be paired with a member of SnoQap’s editorial board who will guide you through the writing process at every step of the way. You are encouraged to build and develop a collaborative relationship with your editor, seek feedback and rely on their expertise when it comes to your writing.

Q: Is there a specific page where I can review the style, formatting, content, and academic requirements and standards that are expected from writers at SnoQap?

A: The members of SnoQap’s Board of Directors, in cooperation with the administration team of the organization, are working on developing a unified writing standards document to define expectations from writers and the editors when publishing articles. A customized document will be shared with you upon joining SnoQap which will provide the necessary resources, guidelines and expectation of what it means to be a writer of SnoQap.

Broadly speaking, a strongly written article is one that is backed by credible sources, shows in-depth analysis of one's own and others’ points of view while carefully evaluating the relevance of contexts when presenting a position or topic. Facts are backed by research, sweeping statements/generalizations are avoided, and the article follows a clear direction while guiding the reader to sources via proper citations.