In order assure that a written story is what we are looking for please consider the following tips:
1. Be sure to include a lesson or call to action on the part of the reader. What should they do, consider, or learn as the result of reading your story.
2. Use terms which are understood internationally. Remember that most of your readers do not understand where you are coming from. For example don't say Camote. Instead use Potato. In the editing process we will try to correct these but it is easier when these considerations are made by the author. Our editors are experienced and have been to all locations in which Sulads serve.
3. Don't make the story too long or too short. One page is enough. Be concise and to the point. Avoid detail that the reader as no way of understanding or visualizing.
4. Make word pictures to put the reader where you are. For example: Samuel stared at the setting sun. The golden colors stretched from horizon to horizon. It seemed as if the entire sky was on fire. He imagined a God bigger than himself. God was coming alive to him at this special time and place.......
5. When submitting pictures be sure they are clear, good lighting, illustrate your story in picture form, and have no distraction in them. Don't use mugshots. Use photos that show action and setting to them.
6. No pictures higher than 5 MB. If larger reduce before sending.
7. Cell phone pictures are fine providing they show good clarity.
8 Be sure to label pictures so we know what or who they are.
9. If you take a picture of a person or place that is sensitive or should not be shown in public for security reason be sure to tell us so we can provide cover for that.
10 If your story is from a sensitive or difficult spot be sure to not use real names or places.
11. If you have video to go with your news or story that is welcomed. They can be used. Quality is important. We can also edit raw materials. None of our videos are uploaded to You Tube for security purposes but we occasionally use a video that is found on YouTube or Vimeo. If you have a larger file let us know and we will provide instruction for how to send to us.
12. For readers interest we would like to know a bit about the author. What they are taking in college or where they graduated from, how long they have been a Sulad, their hopes and dreams.....that sort of thing. Put below the story and our editors will take it from there.
13. Avoid using Acronyms. For example: use Association of Tomorrow's Teachers instead of AOTT. Another example would be Central Philippine Adventist College instead of CPAC.
