Long Island Guide opens free editorial submissions to local businesses

Long Island Guide is inviting businesses, nonprofits and community groups across Long Island to submit stories for free editorial review, with coverage decided on merit rather than advertising spend. The publication says the policy is meant to keep editorial selection independent while giving local organizations a chance to earn feature coverage.

Why it matters: - Long Island Guide is trying to separate editorial coverage from advertising dollars. - Local businesses and nonprofits can seek feature coverage without paying a fee or buying ads. - The publication says the model is meant to give readers more trustworthy local information and give organizations a fair shot at coverage.

What happened: - Long Island Guide invited local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to submit stories and photos for free editorial consideration. - The publication said featured businesses are selected on merit alone. - Selected submissions may receive a dedicated feature article with full-color photography, background information and reader-focused details. - Submission does not guarantee coverage. - Approved submissions are published free of charge.

The details: - The publication said there is no publication fee, required advertising purchase or obligation tied to editorial review. - Selection depends on the strength of the story, its relevance to Long Island and the value it offers readers. - Advertising may appear on the website, but ad purchases do not affect editorial coverage decisions. - Long Island Guide said it does not sell advertorial inclusion, paid editorial mentions or link placements within articles. - Publisher John Colascione described the policy as a deliberate break from the commercial model used by Long Island publications he previously owned and later sold. - Colascione said those earlier publications operated mainly as advertising businesses, while Long Island Guide puts useful information first and uses advertising only as secondary support. - The publication said a strong submission should explain what happened, why it matters and why Long Island readers would care. - Long Island Guide encourages contributors to provide high-resolution photos they own or are allowed to use, plus accurate captions, photo credits, relevant background and a contact for editorial questions. - The staff may edit selected submissions for clarity, accuracy, context and tone. - Long Island Guide retains final control over headlines, wording, imagery and presentation.

Between the lines: - The policy positions Long Island Guide as an editorial-first local publication in a market where news and community coverage are often tied to advertising relationships. - The company is using merit-based selection as both a reader-trust message and a pitch to organizations that want exposure without a paid package. - A recent feature on Spooky Walk at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches shows the kind of local story the publication wants to elevate. - That coverage highlighted the Halloween fundraiser, volunteer involvement and support for Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck’s programs for children and adults with special needs. - Long Island Guide said featured organizations have no obligation to advertise, link to the story or take any action in return.

What's next: - Long Island Guide will review media advisories, news alerts and press releases submitted through its online form. - Staff news reporters will review incoming materials and edit selected stories for publication. - The publication says contributors should review its editorial policies and guidelines before submitting materials. - Long Island Guide, established in 1996, says it has been revitalized under Colascione’s leadership and continues to focus on regional guides, destination information, local news and features for people who live on, visit or want to learn about Long Island.