Question 1

Do I need a large audience or a public profile to pitch?

Accepted Answer

No. AEO Updates assesses a pitch on the usefulness of its angle, the strength of its evidence, the clarity of its disclosure and whether the contributor has relevant first-hand expertise.

Question 2

Should I send a full draft?

Accepted Answer

Not initially. Send a concise pitch with the question or argument, proposed evidence, relevant experience and any disclosure. The editor may then invite a full draft or suggest a different angle.

Question 3

Do material claims need primary sources?

Accepted Answer

Yes, wherever possible. A material factual claim should link to the original document, data, research record, filing, announcement, technical documentation or interview that supports it.

Question 4

Can I write about my company, product or client work?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, but the relationship must be disclosed and the contribution must offer more than promotion. Pitches need a useful, source-supported argument that readers can assess independently.

Question 5

Does AEO Updates pay contributors?

Accepted Answer

Do not assume a commercial arrangement. If a pitch is accepted and payment, licensing or exclusivity terms are relevant, they will be discussed and agreed in writing before publication.

Question 6

Can I republish an accepted contribution elsewhere?

Accepted Answer

Not before it first appears on AEO Updates unless agreed in writing. After publication, contact the editor before posting a substantially similar version elsewhere and link clearly to the original AEO Updates article.

Contributor Guidelines — AEO Updates