Very Fine Commentary offers a great way for you to get published. Not everyone has something to say; but if you do, you should be given full chance to say it.
Here, we compile a dozen common questions on contributions:
1. How do I/we contribute?
Write, and email us at editors@veryfinecommentary.sg. We accept collaborations. We do not accept any for-profit contributions published elsewhere.
2. How much journalistic freedom is there?
Plenty. VFC certainly hopes to keep the journal as free as possible. Writers can, and rightly should, choose any topic or subject matter of their choice.
Editors, on the other hand, can only restrict or not publish your writing if it is plain bad writing, racist, sexist, explicit, or in other ways objectionable.
3. Can I/we start a column?
Sure. Note, however, that a column should have a degree of continuity: it should revolve around certain themes or carry certain ideas. Therefore, start a column only after careful consideration and preferably with some collaboration. One way to go about this is to rotate writers. But do not let this get in the way: columns are one of the best way to contribute.
4. What is VFC’s contributions policy?
You can write about or on anything, as long as it’s good commentary.
5. What is VFC’s editing policy?
The best pieces are clearly engaging because they are engagingly clear. All pieces are reviewed by the editors for accuracy, insight and reader engagement. They should be factually and grammatically sound.
As we grow we may need to select which pieces go in for every edition, and some contributions may be excluded. However, if or when this occurs, we will certainly discuss the reasons with you, and suggest any ways it can be modified for future publication.
If you have any doubts, contact us before you write with the topic/subject choice. This could save you a lot of time and trouble if you are unsure.
6. What does VFC not accept?
- Re-chanting. Reporting news provide the VFC reader with no value whatsoever: there is no need to restate current events. (But analysing them is a different matter altogether: that’s what VFC’s about.)
- Jargon. We have received an increasing number of contributions as VFC has grown, so it’s best to keep the jargon and other technical-speak to a minimum. Readers are hostile to unnecessarily ‘cheem’ (abstruse) stuff – so are we.
- “Hot” topics are boringly popular, and belong strictly to a run-on-the-mill GP magazine. If you can provide a new twist, however, you’re welcome. An intellectual analysis of anything is welcome.
- Fiction is not encouraged. Commentary is usually non-fiction (but if you think you can pull it off, give it a try).
- And finally no emo rants on the meaning of life or the state of the world. Absolutely not.
7. Can I be an editor?
We are recruiting new editors on a selective basis. Contact us at editors@veryfinecommentary.sg.
8. Do I have to cite sources?
Yes, but not on the piece itself. So no Kumar, 2010. Unlike academic journals, this is actually meant to be read. Rather, cite your sources, if you used any, VFC uses MLA citation, which can be found here.
9. What are the publishing deadlines?
VFC does not operate on a fixed timeline, and so there are no fixed monthly limits. Each edition has its own deadline, sent to the mailing list. (Subscribe in the box at the top left.)
10. Hey, I’m a new writer. How do I begin?
As long as you have a point to make in what you genuinely like, you’re likely to be fine. If you feel that the writing is uninspired, as is often the case with anyone, pause writing for a while, and return to your piece only if you feel inspired to write again. And of course, keep your thoughts and sentences clear.
11. I want to write something, but I don’t want to contribute regularly. Can I do that?
Absolutely. We understand perfectly that most people our age lead very busy lives. This should be fun, not a chore.
12. How do I contact the editors?