LINKS is a publication of private provider practice and
federal policy issues and is published by the American Network of Community
Options and Resources.
In addition to updates on legislative and regulatory issues of
import, LINKS also provides information on leading edge practices in
the art and science of agency management, systems design and innovation in the
provision of supports and services.
Contributing an article to LINKS networks you with thousands
of peer professionals. LINKS is mailed in both electronic and hard copy format to over 2,000 individuals and read by over 6,000 readers (pass-along rate of 3 readers per issue.)
Consider your audience
You are writing for private providers and their staff who
are interested in improving their recruiting and retention, training, planning,
marketing and leadership and management skills.
Readers are anxious to understand and implement creative innovations,
leading practices and techniques to improve overall agency effectiveness,
quality and consumer satisfaction.
Share your insight and expertise
Personal experience is the best source for article content.
What problems has your agency encountered and how have you solved these problems
creatively and to the advantage of all involved?
Does your agency have a fresh, innovative approach to an old problem or an
effective solution to a new one?
Tell the readers what your agency has learned. Have
you:
Used technology to improve customer service?
Increased retention through an enhanced selection process?
Found innovative ways to energize staff?
Get It down on paper
Articles don't have to be submitted in top publishing condition.
ANCOR staff will edit for style and grammar; however we will be looking for
solid, transferable content.
Pick a working title it will help to focus your ideas. Make
it short and use an active verb.
Write a lead sentence or paragraph that will grab your audience's
attention. It must be relevant to the topic and get to the point quickly.
Don't attempt perfection in the first draft. An article usually
shows tremendous improvement over the course of several drafts.
Make sure that each paragraph follows logically and smoothly
from the one before it. Move clearly from one point to the next.
Provide a clear opening, body and conclusion.
Make your conclusion as memorable as your lead.
Developing Your Article
Use anecdotes to illustrate your main points. These help the
reader to grasp complex information.
Case studies can be used to fine-tune the readers' perceptions,
making your ideas easier to understand.
Once it is written, set the article aside. Go back to it in
a couple of days and ask the following questions: How does it read? Do I want
to share this article with peers?
The use of subheads and bullets make the article easier to
follow.
Sidebars can be used to detail pertinent facts or data that
do not smoothly fit in with the body of the article.
Re-check the accuracy of names, dates, facts and figures.
ANCOR cannot accept articles that specifically promote a product
or service.
Articles should be 3-4 double-spaced pages or a minimum of
800 words.
Type the article in Microsoft Word, Courier and double-space
all text.
Submit your article via e-mail to rpietrangelo@ancor.org or
(please do not send your file on disk).
Each page should be numbered.
Proofread the article for accuracy and thoroughness.
Include a short biography for each author and include agency
name, address, phone number, e-mail and Web site addresses. Please include
photos if available.
ANCOR encourages potential authors to submit articles. Let us
know about your ideas for an article. Also, be sure to visit our Web site at
www.ancor.org.
All articles and inquiries should be directed to:
Marsha Patrick
ANCOR
1101 King Street, Suite 380
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-535-7850
Fax: 703-535-7860
e-mail: mpatrick@ancor.org
For advertising opportunities, contact Marsha Patrick, mpatrick@ancor.org.
