Writing Articles for www.HelpStartsHere.org
All social workers are cordially invited to publish consumer-focused content on this Web site. HelpStartsHere.org was created to expand the public's perception of what social workers do and to showcase the profession's great variety of practice areas. Its most important goal is to become an invaluable online resource for individuals and families on a range of biopsychosocial issues. Currently, HelpStartsHere.org has thirty content categories including cancer.
Fresh content will be added to this site on an ongoing basis. Social workers are invited to submit any of four types of documents:
- Current Trends in a Particular Area of Practice (800 – 1200 words)
- Your Options (Services Available to Help Individuals) (800 – 1200 words)
- How Social Workers Help in a Particular Area of Practice (800 – 1200 words)
- Tip Sheets on Various Conditions (500 – 800 words)
Tips for Writing for the Web
- Keep the writing style simple. Try to keep the article as consumer-friendly and easy to read as possible. Aim for an eighth or ninth grade reading level.
- Use short words and sentences: not more than 25 words in sentences.
- Write short paragraphs: not more than 60 words.
- Use the active voice and a conversational style. "Read the instructions before beginning" is easier to understand than "Instructions should be read before beginning."
- Avoid slang and colloquialisms.
- Also avoid self-disclosure, i.e., "In my practice I often see. . ."
- Sequence main points in a logical manner.
- Make your sub-points clearly correspond to the main point.
- Use the same word consistently rather than synonyms to avoid confusion.
- If you must use a technical or unfamiliar word, explain the word with a simple definition or example.
- Use lists whenever possible.
- Use positive statements: "Follow safe practices" is better than "Do not follow unsafe practices."
- Highlight the important points in your piece using headings and bold typefaces, and be sure to include all of your main points in the first paragraph of your piece so readers don't miss them.
Please either e-mail your submission to consumer@naswdc.org or fax it to (202) 336-8307. A short biography must be included with submissions. Also, please note that while we would like to publish every submission we receive not all materials may be deemed suitable for posting on the site. However, everyone who submits content that we use is acknowledged on the site.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Theresa Spinner, NASW Communications Associate, at 202-408-8600, ext. 468 or via e-mail at tspinner@naswdc.org.
