Synopsis
Thank you for contributing to The InterPlex!
The InterPlex is a hybrid-style evidence-based publication and collaborative community focusing on the interdisciplinary, intercultural, and interconnected. We bring together researchers, writers, journalists, scientists, artists, and stakeholders to explore the complex relationships between science, environment, culture, technology, policy, and society.
We aim to cultivate lasting relationships among contributors, editors, researchers, communicators, and partner communities. By contributing to The InterPlex, you are helping build a shared space for thoughtful dialogue, rigorous investigation, and meaningful engagement with the issues that shape our world.
This guide outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and workflow that help us maintain a productive, collaborative, and intellectually rigorous contributor community. For a complete list of contributor expectations and guidelines, please refer to the Editorial, Community, and Submission Guidelines page on our website. For information about writing style and formatting, see our style guide.
1. Shared principles
The InterPlex values:
- Intellectual curiosity and rigorous inquiry
- Interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue and collaboration
- Clear, accessible communication
- Evidence-based and actionable analysis
- A diverse and international contributor network
We encourage contributors to communicate complex ideas in ways that are accessible to broad audiences without sacrificing nuance, accuracy, or depth. We also recognize that contributors come from diverse backgrounds and we encourage our community members to draw on the unique perspectives afforded by their disciplines, cultures, and identities in their contributions to The InterPlex.
2. Communication expectations
Clear communication is one of the most important contributor responsibilities. Contributors are expected to:
- Respond to editorial communications in a timely manner
- Communicate proactively about questions, concerns, or anticipated delays
- Notify editors as soon as possible if circumstances affect a deadline
- Participate constructively in the editorial process
- Engage with editorial feedback in good faith
3. Editorial expectations
It is important for contributors to understand and abide by our editorial expectations when agreeing to submit a contribution. Contributors are expected to:
- Submit original work unless otherwise agreed upon
- Disclose and justify any use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their contributions
- Ensure that factual claims are supported by reliable sources and evidence
- Accurately represent the content of cited sources
- Clearly distinguish analysis, interpretation, and opinion where appropriate
- Respect copyright, attribution, and permission requirements
- Cooperate with editorial review, fact-checking, and revision requests
- Notify editors if factual errors or third-party objections are discovered after submission
4. Contribution workflow
While individual projects may vary, most contributions follow the process outlined below.
1. Planning
- Ideate a potential contribution in consultation with our editorial team
- Review contributor guidelines and expectations
- Discuss scope, goals, and publication format
- Submit an outline if requested
- Agree upon a draft deadline
2. Draft submission
- Submit a complete first draft by the agreed deadline
- Include any requested supporting materials, sources, and images or media
3. Editorial review
Editors will review submissions for:
- Structure and organization
- Strength of argument or narrative
- Clarity and accessibility
- Accuracy and sourcing
- Audience fit
- Consistency with our editorial standards
4. Revision
Following editorial review, contributors will:
- Review editorial comments
- Implement requested revisions
- Return a revised draft by the agreed deadline
Some projects may require multiple rounds of revision.
5. Final review and publication
Editors will conduct final fact-checking, copyediting, formatting, and publication preparation. Contributors may be contacted to answer questions, review final edits, or provide additional information before publication.
6. Promotion and continued engagement
Following publication, contributors are encouraged to:
- Share their work through professional and personal networks
- Participate in discussions related to their contribution
- Notify editors of opportunities for collaboration, outreach, or follow-up
- Remain engaged with The InterPlex contributor community
5. Contributor checklist
Before submitting your work, please confirm that:
- The draft reflects your best effort and is ready for editorial review
- All quotations, statistics, and factual claims have been checked for accuracy
- Sources are appropriately cited or documented
- Necessary permissions have been obtained for any images, media, or third-party materials
- Supporting materials requested by editors have been provided
- You have communicated any concerns, limitations, or outstanding issues that may affect publication
- You have, to the best of your ability, followed the agreed-upon editorial timeline
If you have any questions or concerns at any stage of the editorial process, do not hesitate to get in touch with The InterPlex editorial team.
Related
1.1 AI use guidelines
2.2 InterPod production checklist
2.3 InterArticle production checklist
2.4 InterDialogue production checklist