I'm interested in submitting a guest commentary to the Virginia Mercury. Can you tell me the main guidelines, including the required length, what kind of content they're looking for, any specific formatting rules, and where I should send my submission?
Navigate to 'virginiamercury.com'. Click on the 'ABOUT' link. Locate and read the 'Guest commentary submission guidelines' section. Extract the word count range, editorial focus (including preferred content and exclusions), formatting requirements (originality, links, sourcing, style), and the submission email address. Synthesize the extracted information into a concise summary.
State that the word count for submissions is between 700-800 words, with longer pieces occasionally considered. Describe the general editorial focus, including 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.