Writer's Guidelines
GCN’s editorial mission is to inform state and local IT managers and practitioners how enterprise technology and innovation are transforming the way the government serves citizens and performs vital functions. It is produced by GovExec.
In addition to our daily journalism, we publish opinion and analysis pieces on issues related to information technology in state and local agencies and programs. GCN contributors include influential thinkers across government, academia and the private sector providing fresh and provocative insights on the tools, tactics and technologies key government IT managers rely on to deliver their missions.
Most successful submissions of such articles are 800 words or less, make a clear and convincing point about a topic of current interest to our readers and are written by people who are experienced and qualified in their fields.
We do not publish articles that seem to be aimed at promoting the fortunes of any individual, product or company. Nor do we publish pieces that have already appeared online.
Accepted commentaries get straight to the point. Don't quote federal policy in the lead paragraph. Don't lead off with paragraphs of description of the problem. We see many unsuccessful submissions that spend too much time describing the current situation and too little fleshing out a solution.
Use links in your text, particularly to substantiate assertions or to provide further reading. Don't use footnotes.
If you’re interested in submitting an article for consideration, send an email describing what you propose to write about to submissions@gcn.com. The email should detail your relevant experience and expertise. We must be notified if the piece has been submitted to multiple publications simultaneously and if another publication plans to publish it.
If we accept the article for publication, we also require:
- Author bio. At the end of the article, please include a one- to two-sentence description of your professional background.
- Signed agreement. The first time you write for us, you must sign an agreement granting us permission to use your work, name, image and likeness across our platforms and guaranteeing that your work does not infringe on the rights of any third party.