Contributor Guidelines

Thank you for considering contributing to our digital publication. Before we dive into the specifics of content writing, here are our values:

  • We are always compassionate with ourselves and others.
  • We are kind and clear in our communication. 
  • We share our truth in a compassionate way. 
  • We look for opportunities to give rather than to take. 
  • We look at how we can uplift someone or how we can improve a situation. 
  • We let go of trying to control the future. 
  • Everything that happens is a gift of some sort or another. 
  • We use “right thought, right speech, and right action” in our dealings with ourselves and others. 
  • At the heart of every challenge is the fact that we have the opportunity to experience and learn.  
  • We practice being content and joyful human beings despite circumstances. 
  • We dedicate ourselves to constant internal practice of self inquiry, so our words and actions are an expression of discernment. 
  • And if at first we don’t succeed, we try try again.

Tips for finding your editorial voice

Be conversational.

Copy should be simple—easy to read and digest. For example: “I am” might be proper, but “I’m” is more conversational and easier to connect with.

Be personal.

Don’t be afraid to get vulnerable. Sharing your experience, especially something you learned from a “mistake” or difficult circumstance, is a great way to connect with readers.

Be of service.

Just like when you’re teaching, ask yourself how you can be of service in your writing. Write as an invitation: Imagine you are speaking to a student.

Be informative.

While this is a creative outlet, we must maintain journalistic integrity. For instance, there may be an opportunity to share a poem or other form of creative writing within your article, if you feel called to do so.

However, the majority of the text should be structured and service-driven (see below for specific outline examples).

Be inclusive.

Use language that speaks to everyone, whenever/wherever possible (i.e. “partner” instead of “boyfriend” or “husband”, etc.).

Who are you speaking to? 

It might sound counterintuitive, but the more specific you are about who your audience is the more likely you are to connect with even more people. Think of it like trying to please everyone – it’s impossible. However, if you own your truth and who your audience is, you will be more likely to connect with them. And eventually others will take notice. It’s kind of like what you teach: You can’t offer a class that encompasses every type of yoga, but, if you stay authentic to what you know, you will attract a range of students from all different backgrounds. 

Deciding what to write about

Consider the following questions: 

  • What do I want to write about? 
  • Why do I want to write about it? What is my intention? 
  • What do I want readers to take away from my message? 
  • What makes my perspective on the topic unique/different from other literature that’s already out there? 

Determine which section you’re writing for: 

  • Mindful
  • Food
  • Health
  • Sanctuary
  • Nature
  • Travel
  • Yoga
 

And what kind of article you’re writing: 

  • Personal essay 
  • Interview/Q+A
  • Listicle
  • Recipe
  • Video tutorial 
  • Other?

Formatting your thoughts

Headlines

Each writer will have a different process. I usually don’t write my headline until the very end to ensure it encompasses everything I’ve covered within the article. However, others may find it helpful to start with a headline to stay on track. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling headline that site visitors will want to click on: 

Consider the following questions: 

  • How can I explain what I’m writing about in the least amount of words? 
  • How can I spark curiosity and interest in readers? 
  • While we’re not looking for click-bait, is there a way to tease/encourage/compel readers to click? 

SEO (search engine optimization) headline formula examples: 

  • 7 Reasons Why Pranayama Will Change Your Practice
    • P.S. It’s been observed that an odd number in the title drives more traffic than an even number. 
  • More examples here.

Give it your best shot. At the end of the day, changes may be made to keep things consistent on the website, and this should not be taken personally (see side note below). If we do make major edits, we will be sure to reach out to you beforehand to go over them. 

Introductions

No matter what type of article you’re writing, all should start with an opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention from the get-go. 

  • Can you start with an anecdote or something personal/relatable?
    • For example: “No matter how long we’ve been practicing, we can all recall feeling on display the first time we ever stepped onto the mat…” 
  • Quotes are great, but generally it’s a good practice to avoid leading with them. If there’s one you really want to use, grab attention first and then use it to support what you’re talking about. 

Personal essay

Keep articles simple and straightforward. When in doubt, you can always revert to this simple outline: 

  • ℙ #1: Introduction (~100 words)
    • What is your topic/subject matter? 
    • What is your thesis? Be specific. 
  • ℙ #2: Supporting body paragraph (~100 words)
    • Why is it important? 
    • Ex: What is a physical benefit? 
  • ℙ #3: Supporting body paragraph (~100 words)
    • Why is it important? 
    • Ex: What is a mental benefit? 
  • ℙ #4: Supporting body paragraph (~100 words)
    • Why is it important? 
    • Ex: What is a spiritual benefit?
  • ℙ #5: Conclusion (~100 words)
    • What is the reader’s call to action? How can s/he incorporate the message into everyday life?
    • What is the universal message/theme? Be more general than in intro. 

Listicles + Interviews: 

The format of these types of articles is a little different, since the majority of text will be in listicle or Q&A format. In this case, introduction paragraphs should be more substantial—in addition to what you are talking about, include why it is important, what your intention for sharing is and key takeaways. The rest of the article will be listing or interview questions and responses. No conclusion necessary, although you might want to add one line at the end with resource information (for instance: a link to the interviewee’s website, book, workshop, etc.)

Recipes + Video tutorials

Similarly, recipe and tutorial features will be lighter on text, since the bulk of your content is the recipe or video. Still, the intro should be substantial and combine the elements of the personal essay’s introduction and conclusion paragraphs. 

Are you (really) an expert? 

Expert vs. reporter

As spiritual teachers, we all have incredible knowledge to share. Many of you have so many years of experience under your belts. And yet, we have to discern if we are actual experts. For instance, we all know that eating kitchari is great for our health, but are we all qualified to offer dietary advice to readers? For BTO, the answer is: Not unless you have the proper credentials. However, you may still be able to report about the topic, if you source reliable experts to support your article and weigh in. 

Approved experts

  • Certified dietitians (YES) > health/wellness coaches (NO)
    • If you’re not sure, consider where a source received his/her certification. Reputable institute? Wonderful, proceed. Online course? Find another source. 
  • Medical/mental health professionals (YES) > doctors who represent brands (NO)

A note on self-appointed experts (NO):

We have to be careful in today’s “everyone’s-an-influencer” world. Here’s an example: Recently, I was writing an article for ELLE and had a potential source tell me her title was “Celebrity Beauty Expert” and that she had to be referred to as such. But what did that mean? Did someone anoint her “Celebrity Beauty Expert”? Did she graduate from a special school and earn that title? Or did she land one reality TV client and then personally give it to herself? Most likely, the latter. Use your best judgment, and channel your inner Kali to cut through the BS.

Cite your sources

  • When using expert’s title before his/her name (i.e. “Registered Dietitian Kate Black recommends…), use title case letters. 
  • When using expert’s title after his/her name (i.e. “Kate Black, a registered dietitian in Austin, Tex., suggests…”), use lowercase letters. 
  • Include links whenever possible—especially when citing research (i.e. phrases like, “Studies show…)
    • If using research, make sure it is recent/up to date.

Things to avoid

Example #1: “Shoulds”

Avoid spiritual superiority. 

NO: Why You Should Be Eating Kitchari Three Times a Week 

YES: Consider Cleansing with Kitchari for These Health Benefits 

Example #2: Overpromising

If recommending products to readers, we need to be mindful of legal issues and offering false claims. 

NO: This essential oil will cure your acne (or other ailment). 

YES: This essential oil may reduce the appearance of acne (or minimize symptoms of other ailment).  

Other things to avoid: 

  • Politics
  • Religion
    • Use inclusive terminology when referring to God (i.e. God of your own understanding, higher power, love, Universe, etc.). 
  • Tantric sex 
  • Polarizing topics (i.e. abortion, vaccinating, veganism, gun ownership, etc.)
    • Avoid timely debates/“hot” topics; instead choose evergreen content that will have a long shelf life. This doesn’t mean spiritually bypass what’s going on the world; you can reference or acknowledge an issue without choosing a side. Our ultimate goal is to support all people, to encourage readers to become more conscious and make their own, informed decisions.

Practice non-attachment: 

Ultimately, everything you submit is subject to editing. As mentioned above, changes should not be taken personally; rather, style choices are to ensure BTO’s voice is consistent and cohesive throughout the website. Plus, since you’ll also own your content, you can word things as you see fit when publishing on your personal website and channels. 

I’m ready to write! Now what? 

  • Submit your pitch, or story idea, by completing this Google form, filling out the questions as thoroughly as you can. (Typically the due date for pitches is the first Monday of every month – the month prior to publication. For instance, pitches for September articles are due on first Monday of August.)
  • Once approved, submit your article to editor@breathetogetheryoga.com. (Typically, the due date for submissions is the third Friday of every month – the month prior to publication. For instance, submissions for September articles are due on the third Friday of August.)
  • Look out for an email from editor@breathetogetheryoga.com containing the contributor agreement via DocuSign. Sign and return within a week of receiving (as they expire).