Everything You Need to Know About Writing & Creating for COGNEWS
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
Thank you for considering collaborate with us in creating something for the COG community. We really appreciate your consideration and know our audience will too!
Getting Started - Blogging & Other Original Content
Here is a link to our editor's post which may help you with the structure of your article.
Content wise our style is always to be blissful so do stay positive and upbeat where you can. If you are talking about a tricky topic try not to leave it on a negative note.
Blogs differ from articles in that blogs are generally longer or written for an audience with some knowledge of the topic and are often sponsored. This includes hosted by the sponsor blogs, a common business practice which helps organisations create meaningful content and connect with their audience. It also helps with google rankings something most businesses find challenging and expensive!
Our articles have certain requirements, and you can read about those on our send in your stories page. This is so that your work meets our legal requirements and our objectives of creating a quiet social space that is joyful and fair for everyone.
If you’ve opted for our ghostwriting package, we’ll be in touch very soon to get things started for you.
Our blog software is some of the fastest, easiest, and most attractive we've ever used, so if you're struggling with anything at all, please drop the editor a text or VM at 07830 382219 for assistance.
About Longer Articles
Long articles are slightly slower to load and can challenge the reader's attention span too.
Our software tells us the reading time of each article. If an article is longer than 4 minutes, it will either need chopping, splitting into several articles, or have an index added. This type of article also needs more images and other elements, which break up the text for the reader. We'll let you know when you submit if your article is a long one and will help you get it print-ready.
Editor's view:
"I always start with a working title; this helps me define what I'm talking about and what I'm not. That way, I can stay on track with both the research and the article focus. The title is often a bit boring or long but gets edited later."
"Article writing is a journey, and I need a Ronseal approach for the title - does what it says on the tin. The audience must see the title (tin) and instantly know what the article will be about (product). Like Ronseal, we also have a picture which adds to the audience's understanding and appeal.
I like to organize my articles story-style: Beginning - Middle - End. This helps keep me focused and makes it easier to read for me and the intended readers. There is often a bit of cutting and pasting as I realise what I've written is in the wrong part of the story." - Lori
About Titles & Connections
Writers may find we've changed the title of their work. This is because that change allows us to make better placement of the article across our 40 genres and 3 regular publications, which we know will appeal to readers. We also link the article to other articles which complement yours. This could be something you've written before or something that adds value to your current writing.
Rules for All Creators
You can't plug other businesses or sources directly, but you are welcome to introduce anyone from your circle to us. All work must be original and inclusive for all. If you are sharing a personal point of view, be sure to say it’s your own view.
When to Submit
Don’t delay submission because you are outstanding in a couple of things. You’ll have the option to edit once your post is pending/live, and we can always publicise updates as needed, but you mustn't say anything you haven't verified or don't know to be true. Instead, keep that to one side and add it in when you have more information. For example, if you're waiting for a photograph, we can use a stock image or a piece of artwork. If you're waiting for a quotation from a third party, we can add it in. And if you're struggling to tell your story, please let us help you.
If you need to wait because the article has sensitivity or might cause something to fail as a result of printing too soon, please wait and ask us for help if you need it.
Other Creators
If you are creating a video or podcast, hosting an event, moderating a forum or group, or if you are putting items in our file downloads, this is best handled over email. You can message our editor directly at loriwoodwilliams@gmail.com. It’s great to bring new and exciting content of all kinds to our community, and we're always happy to Zoom if that’s what kickstarts the project best.
How to Submit Your Work
There are several ways to submit:
First-time writers can send in their stories to: send in your stories
Organisations can submit their press releases by visiting send in your stories And use the press release button or complete the online form.
Regular Writers can have their own account and byline (name on the article). If you are considering a career in marketing or journalism, this can be a valuable addition to your body of work. To become eligible for regular writer status, you must have submitted 3 pieces of original work which have not been used anywhere else and pass our interview process, which is by invitation from the COG board of directors who monitor closely and encourage the development of all our team. Ideally, you should have completed 10 hours of volunteering with COG so that you have a good grasp of the work we do and our culture.
Supporting your Work
Sorry we’re not able to include paid or affiliate links in guest posts etc but we are usually delighted for you to link to your business website and we'll aim to support you in the best ways possible.
We have a lot to offer, so taking a moment to consider working with COG can pay big dividends for one set of work. What we will offer you will depend on what you are trying to achieve and what will be the best fit for the COG community, as well as the format your content is created in. It might be suitable for a live or ticketed event, and we usually include that in our social media, groups and emails. Getting the level, the tone etc correct is really important because everything we do must be blissful wherever possible.
If your post is for your business, promotion is especially important, we tend to work on the 2/1 rule: give two things then you can ask for something in return. Think of it as keeping your bank in credit before you try to spend.
What Happens After Submission?
We can't wait to see what you do!
Once you've submitted your work, our resident proofreaders will look over your content and get back in touch with you with any changes they recommend. Our editorial team will then take a look at how we can connect your content to the wider world. Once we publish, you’ll be able to see your article in our
If there is anything you need to change, just let us know and we’ll amend it as a top priority. If you want to refresh a post seasonally, then let us know as soon as you can and we’ll find the best way to support that.
Most of all, we hope this is a blissful experience for you and that COG has made a new friend.
Lori Wood Williams
Cheadle COG
Everything You Need to Know About Writing & Creating for COGNEWS - updated from Writing & Creating for COG for the first time - 31st January 2026
