Writing Guidelines
DeadlinesSpring editions
- Content due to the editor: February 15
- Approximate publish date: May 20
Fall editions
- Content due to the editor: August 15
- Approximate publish date: November 20
Alumni or chapter news briefs
News briefs are short updates on chapters or individual members that are no longer than 250-350 word in length. Suggested topics include:
- Honors or awards that are presented to a chapter or individual members
- Elections to ofthe IFC, student government, or other significant office
- Chapter house improvements, championships, philanthropies or contests won
- Alumni anniversary celebrations
- Significant career achievements
Time-sensitive stories, or announcements about upcoming events will NOT be published. Neither will stories that contain incomplete, inaccurate, or unclear information. Check your facts and figures and make sure your update is about something. “Our brotherhood is super great!” isn’t going to make it. BE SPECIFIC.
Feature and cover stories
The Rattle editorial team is looking for interesting, thought-provoking, emotionally moving stories about alumni, undergraduates or chapters.
The most compelling articles will examine an important issue or problem, or tell a story about how someone was able to overcome a specific challenge. Focus on what’s new and exciting about a topic- not just the topic itself. Your article should tell a story, not give a report.
Planning an edition of The Rattle begins months before the actual publication date. Writers who wish to contribute a story exceeding 700 words in length should discuss their ideas directly with the editor well ahead of the content deadline to ensure that their work can be included.
Time-sensitive newsDue to the long period between editions, time-sensitive or breaking news should instead be reported to
The National Eagle, Theta Chi’s official news blog. Sending these stories to The National Eagle will ensure that your news is published in a more timely fashion.
- Know your audience: Who will find your article interesting?
- Tell us what happened: Bulleted or numbered lists are strongly discouraged
- Proofread your story: Avoid making embarrassing grammar or spelling errors by checking your work before sending it in to the editor
- Include a photo: A good picture is worth a thousand words. Sending a strong photo to accompany your story can add depth and intrigue
- Respect deadlines: If your story arrives past the published deadlines, it may not be included
Please noteThe editor reserves the right to edit or omit story submissions prior to publication. Not all submitted stories will be selected for publication.
Due to space restrictions, we will
not publish wedding announcements, stories about recruitment results, or upcoming local or regional events or reunions.
