Thank you for your interest in contributing to Rare Disease Watch. We welcome writers who share our commitment to clear, accurate, and accessible reporting on research developments, clinical insights, regulatory activity, patient experience, and policy affecting the global rare disease community.
These guidelines outline how we work and what we expect from contributors. Following them ensures that every article meets the high editorial standards our readers rely on.
What We Publish
Rare Disease Watch covers:
- Research updates and scientific discoveries
- Clinical trial developments
- New and emerging treatments
- Regulatory decisions and policy changes
- Funding and grant announcements
- Insights from clinicians, researchers, and advocates
- Patient experience perspectives
- Industry, biotech, and global health news
All content must be factual, balanced, and supported by reputable sources.
Writing Style
Our aim is to make complex information clear and accessible.
Contributors should:
- Write in plain English suitable for a broad audience
- Avoid unnecessary jargon and explain technical terms
- Ensure accuracy without oversimplifying science
- Keep a professional and neutral tone
- Write with clarity, structure, and purpose
- Provide context that helps readers understand why the news matters
We value concise, well-organised reporting.
Accuracy and Sources
Every article must be grounded in credible evidence. Contributors are expected to:
- Use reputable, traceable sources such as peer reviewed journals, regulatory bodies, academic institutions, professional associations, and official statements
- Cite key information clearly within the article
- Avoid speculative claims
- Clarify when findings are preliminary or early stage
- Double check statistics, figures, and terminology
- Base interpretations on the data, not personal opinion
If a claim cannot be verified, it should not appear in your article.
Originality and Integrity
All submissions must be original work.
We do not accept:
- Plagiarised content
- AI-generated text that has not been fully edited and verified by the contributor
- Promotional or advertorial material
- Articles written to support a commercial product or agenda
Our focus is unbiased and independent reporting.
Conflicts of Interest
Contributors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including:
- Industry ties
- Funding relationships
- Personal involvement in a study or organisation
- Employment with a company related to the topic
Where a conflict exists, we may assign the story to another writer.
Structure and Length
Each article should include:
- A clear headline
- A concise introduction
- Logical sections with subheadings
- A brief conclusion or “why this matters” summary
- Internal links to relevant Rare Disease Watch articles where appropriate
Typical article length ranges from 900 to 1500 words.
Images and Media
If you include images, charts, or diagrams:
- Ensure you have the right to use them
- Provide full attribution where necessary
- Favour original charts or public domain images
- Avoid copyrighted material unless permission is secured
Our editorial team may replace images to maintain consistency across the site.
Submission Process
- Submit a short pitch or topic proposal
- Await approval from the editorial team
- Draft the article following these guidelines
- Submit the completed article via our contributor portal or email
- The editorial team will review, edit, and approve the final version
We may request revisions before publication.
Editing
All articles undergo editorial review to ensure:
- Accuracy
- Clarity
- Appropriate tone
- Structural coherence
- Compliance with our standards
We may adjust headlines, formatting, or structure to maintain consistency across the site.
Corrections and Updates
If you spot an error in your published work, notify the editorial team immediately. We update content when new information becomes available and publish corrections with transparency.
Becoming a Regular Contributor
Contributors who consistently produce accurate, well-researched work may be invited to join our regular writing team. Regular contributors are featured on our author pages with a profile, photograph, and links to all published articles.
