I'm interested in submitting a guest commentary to the Virginia Mercury. What are their key submission guidelines, including the required word count, general editorial focus, specific formatting rules like style and sourcing, and the email address where I should send my submission?
Navigate to 'virginiamercury.com'. Click on the 'ABOUT' link. Locate the 'Guest commentary submission guidelines' section. Scroll down to reveal all content within the guidelines section. Extract the word count range for submissions. Identify the general editorial focus, including preferred content and exclusions. Note specific formatting requirements such as originality, links, sourcing, and style. Find the contact email address for submitting commentaries.
State that the word count for submissions is between 700-800 words (with longer pieces occasionally considered). Describe the general editorial focus: actively seeking diverse voices (underrepresented communities, women, young people, thinkers from all backgrounds), generally progressive but open to diverse policy ideologies, and explicitly stating that submissions are not usually accepted from declared candidates or sitting elected officials, and that hate speech, stereotypes, or cruel humor are not published. List the explicit submission requirements: original work, inclusion of links and sourcing, use of AP style, and the submission email address: swillis@virginiamercury.com. Also, mention that photos are not required but imagery suggestions are welcome.