Guest Writer Guidelines for Closer Lives Travel Blog

WE EXPLORE MORE THAN JUST MAPS WE JOURNEY THROUGH MINDSETS

Welcome to Closer Lives! We’re thrilled you’re considering contributing to our travel community. To ensure a smooth and successful collaboration, please review our guest writer guidelines carefully.

These outline our content expectations, formatting standards, submission process, and terms of collaboration.

Following these guidelines helps us maintain quality and consistency while giving your work the best chance to shine with our engaged audience.

Are you a brand or agency?

If you are a business, PR agency, destination, hotel, product company, or affiliate partner looking for sponsored collaborations, branded articles, product reviews, press-trip coverage, or long-term partnerships, please visit our Media & Partnerships Policy instead. This page is only for guest writers submitting editorial articles.

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Guest Writer Guidelines & Agreement

Thank you for your interest in contributing to Closer Lives! Before submitting your guest article, please carefully read and agree to the following guidelines and terms:

What We Accept

We welcome submissions that:

Provide genuine value to readers through original stories, insights, or practical guidance
Align with our core themes of travel, culture, lifestyle, and digital nomad living
Are written with clarity, structure, and purpose
Reflect ethical, authentic, and inclusive perspectives
Feature accurate information, personal experience, or well-researched details
Include high-quality, relevant links that support the reader’s journey

What We Don’t Accept

To protect our readers and maintain our editorial standards, we do not accept:

AI-generated, copied, or previously published content
Overly promotional or sales-driven articles
Irrelevant topics (e.g., gambling, adult content, crypto, pharmaceuticals, or unrelated products)
Keyword-stuffed or low-quality SEO link placements
Misleading claims, inaccurate information, or clickbait titles
Submissions containing copyrighted or unlicensed imagery

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Content Guidelines

1.0 Audience & Core Topics

This section defines the essential criteria for all submitted content, ensuring it aligns with the Closer Lives community.

1.1 Originality and Quality

1.1.1 Requirement: Submissions must be 100% original, high-quality, and previously unpublished content.
1.1.2 Scope: Content must align with the values and audience of Closer Lives.

1.2 Audience Alignment: The Closer Lives Community

Your content must resonate with our core audience: global travelers, digital nomads, and culture enthusiasts who seek meaning, connection, and inspiration through exploration.

1.3 Core Content Pillars (Beyond Surface-Level Travel)

We look for stories and insights that are both emotionally engaging and intellectually valuable. Successful submissions fall into the following thematic areas:

1.3.1 Actionable Exploration: Practical tips, unique itineraries, or personal reflections drawn from real experiences.
1.3.2 Cultural Deep Dives: Capturing the essence of a place, culture, or journey.
1.3.3 Conscious Travel: Inspiring readers to travel more mindfully, sustainably, or creatively.
1.3.4 Life on the Road: Sharing lessons learned, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and logistics of the nomadic lifestyle.
1.3.5 Integrated Lifestyle: Connecting travel to broader personal growth themes (e.g., wellness, creativity, relationships).

🔑 Key Principle: Articles must combine authentic storytelling with actionable information, helping readers transition from dreaming about travel to actively living it.

2.0 Submission Format: Length & Pacing

This section outlines the preferred scope and structure for all articles, prioritizing reader engagement and depth.

2.1 Target Length & Scope

2.1.1 Preferred Range: Articles should aim for a read time of 3–5 minutes, typically translating to approximately 800–2,000 words.
2.1.2 Quality Over Quantity: We prioritize substance, quality, and flow over rigid word counts. Longer pieces are accepted if the story or in-depth guidance requires the space.

2.2 Pacing and Readability

The content must be structured for optimal online readability to ensure readers are engaged from start to finish.

2.2.1 Paragraphs: Keep them tight and focused (recommendation: 3–4 sentences maximum).
2.2.2 Sentences: Ensure writing is clear, active, and concise.
2.2.3 Focus: Ideas must be well-focused. Write with purpose and make every word count to maintain momentum.

2.3 Editorial Review and Adjustments

2.3.1 Editorial Right: Our editorial team reviews all submissions for platform fit and reader experience.
2.3.2 Potential Changes: We may suggest or implement minor adjustments to the article's structure, pacing, or word count to ensure the best possible reading experience.

3.0 Editorial Style and Formatting Requirements

This section details the necessary tone, structure, and mechanical requirements for content to align with the Closer Lives brand identity.

3.1 Voice and Tone

The desired voice is conversational yet polished—approachable, thoughtful, and grounded in real experience.

3.1.1 Tone: Conversational, encouraging, and informative. Write as if you were speaking to a fellow traveler or creative peer.
3.1.2 Authenticity: Share genuine personal experiences, lessons learned, and insights. Our readers prioritize connection with real voices.
3.1.3 Language: Write naturally. Avoid jargon, keyword stuffing, or overly promotional language.

3.2 Structural Formatting

Use clear formatting to enhance readability, especially on mobile devices.

3.2.1 Clear Structure: Articles must include a strong introduction, informative subheadings, and a meaningful conclusion.
3.2.2 Readability Aids: Use subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break up long text and aid navigation.
3.2.3 Paragraph Length: Keep paragraphs concise (recommended: 3–4 sentences maximum).

3.3 Mechanical Requirements

3.3.1 Grammar & Spelling: Submissions should be publication-ready and carefully proofread by the author. While we require a high standard, the Closer Lives editorial team will perform a final review and correction for minor errors to ensure polished final quality.
3.3.2 Submission State: Aim for clarity, warmth, and a storytelling rhythm that draws readers in.

3.4 Editorial Adjustments

3.4.1 Editorial Rights: Closer Lives reserves the right to make light editorial adjustments to submissions.
3.4.2 Scope of Adjustments: These adjustments may include changes for grammar, tone, SEO optimization, and general readability, while strictly preserving the writer's unique voice and core message.
3.4.3 Goal: To ensure every post aligns seamlessly with the site’s look, feel, and quality standards.

4.0 Originality, Exclusivity, and Rights

This section details the requirements for content ownership, licensing, and usage rights upon submission and publication.

4.1 Originality and Intellectual Property

4.1.1 Exclusivity Requirement: We only accept original, unpublished content. Submissions must not have been previously published on any other website, platform, or publication (including personal blogs).
4.1.2 Plagiarism: Submissions must be entirely free from plagiarism and accurately reflect your own experiences, research, or expertise.
4.1.3 Rights Guarantee: By submitting, you confirm that you hold the rights to all written and visual content included and that the submission does not infringe on any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property of a third party.
4.1.4 AI/LLM Content Policy: Content generated entirely by Large Language Models ($\text{LLM}$) or Artificial Intelligence ($\text{AI}$) is strictly prohibited. $\text{AI}$ tools may be used for brainstorming or light grammar editing, but the final submission must be original, human-written work reflecting the author's unique experience and expertise.

4.2 Content Ownership and Licensing

4.2.1 Ownership: You, the contributor, retain full ownership of your content.
4.2.2 License Grant: Upon acceptance, you grant Closer Lives a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to publish, edit, distribute, and promote your work across our website and associated channels (including social media and newsletters).
4.2.3 Republication by Writer: You are free to share or republish your content elsewhere after it has been published by Closer Lives, provided you include a link and credit back to the original article on our platform.

4.3 Monetary and Editorial Stipulations

4.3.1 Compensation: No payment or royalties are issued for standard guest (unpaid) submissions, unless a sponsored collaboration has been explicitly agreed upon in advance.
4.3.2 Monetization: Closer Lives may display ads, affiliate placements, or other forms of monetized content alongside your article.
4.3.3 Right to Removal: We reserve the right to remove or unpublish content at any time if it breaches these terms or is deemed harmful to the integrity of our platform.

5.0 SEO and Linking Policy

This section outlines the requirements for search engine optimization (SEO) and the mandatory policies governing the inclusion of external links.

5.1 SEO Content Principles

Great SEO begins with great content. Writers should focus on user experience, clarity, and depth while adhering to the following:

5.1.1 Keyword Use: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally within your content. Avoid overuse or keyword stuffing at all times.
5.1.2 Structure: Use clear, descriptive headings ($\text{H}2$s and $\text{H}3$s) that accurately reflect the flow and structure of your article.
5.1.3 Metadata: Write draft meta titles, descriptions, and image alt text that are concise, accurate, and reader-focused.
5.1.4 Focus: Prioritize user experience first. Google and search engines reward content that offers genuine value, clarity, and authenticity.

5.2 External Linking Guidelines (Mandatory Policy)

All included links must genuinely enhance the article’s value and comply with our commercial terms.

5.2.1 Quality and Relevance: Only include high-quality, relevant links that enhance the reader experience. Links to credible sources, official tourism pages, or reputable travel resources are encouraged.
5.2.2 Prohibited Links: Excessive linking or keyword-driven backlinks may lead to revisions or rejection.

5.3 Commercial Links and Disclosure (Strict Policy)

Links to commercial pages, products, or services are subject to a mandatory approval and compliance process.

5.3.1 Mandatory Pre-Approval: Links to commercial pages, products, or services must be approved in advance by the editorial team.
5.3.2 Compliance: Approved commercial placements must adhere to the Fixed Minimum Rates and Mandatory Link Attribute Policy outlined in the separate Commercial Terms & Payments section.
5.3.3 Disclosure: All approved commercial links will be marked as sponsored (or similar disclosure) to comply with Google and FTC guidelines.

5.4 Internal Linking Guidance

We encourage writers to contribute to the overall authority and structure of the Closer Lives platform.

5.4.1 Suggested Links: Please include 1–3 relevant internal links to existing Closer Lives articles where contextually appropriate.
5.4.2 Benefit: This practice helps readers navigate the site seamlessly and improves the overall search authority of your piece.

5.5 Editorial Link Review

5.4.1 Adjustment Right: All external links will be reviewed and may be adjusted. Closer Lives reserves the right to modify or remove links that appear irrelevant, low-quality, or in conflict with our editorial or SEO standards.
5.4.2 Technical Attributes: Links may be adjusted with appropriate $\text{rel}$ attributes ($\text{nofollow}$, $\text{sponsored}$, or $\text{noopener}$) at our sole discretion.

6.0 Images and Media Policy

This section outlines the standards for submitting visual content, emphasizing quality, ownership, and compliance with the Closer Lives aesthetic.

6.1 Image Sourcing and Rights

Only high-quality, relevant media should be submitted, and strict adherence to usage rights is mandatory.

6.1.1 Ownership: You must only use original photographs you own or royalty-free images from trusted, properly licensed sources.
6.1.2 Rights Confirmation: Embedded videos or reels are welcome where relevant, provided they are your own or properly licensed.
6.1.3 Quality: Ensure all images are high-resolution, clear, and contextually relevant to the article.
6.1.4 Quantity: Avoid adding excessive images; focus on those that strengthen your narrative.

6.2 Accessibility and Descriptive Text

Please ensure all visuals are accompanied by descriptive text to support accessibility and context.

6.2.1 Alt Text Quality: Please provide high-quality, descriptive alt text for each image to support accessibility and SEO.
6.2.2 Photo Captions: Include clear and informative captions for all photos. Captions should add context or detail that the main body text does not cover.
6.2.3 Credits: Please include image credits or source links where applicable (often placed within the caption).

6.3 Optimization and Editorial Adjustments

The Closer Lives team handles all media optimization to ensure fast loading and beautiful presentation.

6.3.1 Optimization: All submitted images are automatically optimized for performance and quality (e.g., conversion to $\text{WebP}$ format) for faster page loading.
6.3.2 Visual Consistency: We may crop, resize, or retouch images to ensure visual consistency and balance across our platform.
6.3.3 Featured Image (Thumbnail): Thumbnail images (featured blog headers) are designed in-house by the Closer Lives team for brand consistency. You may suggest a preferred image during submission, but our team will adapt it to fit our design style.
6.3.4 Media Review: All submitted media will be reviewed before publication to ensure compatibility and compliance with our standards.

7.0 Submission and Review Process

This section outlines the workflow, timelines, and rights associated with submitting an article for consideration by the Closer Lives editorial team.

7.1 Submission Procedure

7.1.1 Required Form: All submissions must begin by completing our Guest Post Submission Form. This form requires your article idea, a short summary, and relevant links.
7.1.2 Acceptance: If your pitch is accepted, you will receive a confirmation email detailing the next steps. If the article involves a paid/sponsored collaboration, the payment request will be included.
7.1.3 Draft Submission: You may submit your final draft as a Word document or, if granted temporary access, upload it directly via our Wix blog editor (details provided upon acceptance).

7.2 Review and Publication Timeline

We aim for a transparent, efficient, and collaborative editorial review.

7.2.1 Initial Review: All submissions are reviewed within 48 hours of receipt.
7.2.2 Feedback: We will provide editorial feedback or request revisions if needed to optimize the article's flow, SEO, clarity, or formatting.
7.2.3 Scheduling: Once approved (all revisions complete), your article will be scheduled for publication and shared across our digital channels.

7.3 Communication and Payment

7.3.1 Communication: All communication regarding your submission will be directed to your provided email address. Please ensure this email is professional and regularly monitored.
7.3.2 Payment (If Applicable): Payment for agreed-upon sponsored collaborations (refer to Section 4.3.1) is due within 30 business days of the article's publication, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7.4 Editorial Rights and Archive

7.4.1 Right to Decline: Closer Lives reserves the right to decline any submission without explanation.
7.4.2 Editing: We may edit content for grammar, clarity, and SEO alignment, but we always strive to maintain the integrity of the writer's original voice.
7.4.3 Permanent Archive: Once published, your article becomes part of our permanent digital archive. We reserve the right to update the content periodically for accuracy and continued relevance (e.g., updating links, facts, or statistics).

8.0 Commercial Terms and Payment Policy

This section details the financial structure and mandatory compliance for all paid guest posts, link insertions, and sponsored content.

8.1 Fixed Minimum Rates

All commercial services are subject to the following non-negotiable minimum rates (outside of specific volume agency contracts). Applicable fees will always be discussed and agreed upon before invoicing.

8.1.1

Service Type: Guest Post (Client-Provided)
Minimum Rate (USD): $100 USD
Notes: Content provided by the client, subject to full editorial review (see Section 1.0).

Service Type: Link Insertion
Minimum Rate (USD): $75 USD
Notes: Contextual link to an existing, relevant article (12-month minimum visibility).

8.2 Mandatory Link Attribute Policy

In strict compliance with Google's guidelines regarding paid links and FTC disclosure regulations, this policy is non-negotiable:

8.2.1 Required Attribute: ALL links placed for commercial consideration (Guest Posts and Link Insertions) will be published with the mandatory $\text{rel="sponsored"}$ attribute.
8.2.2 Do-Follow Prohibition: We do not, under any circumstances, offer or publish "do-follow" links for paid placements.

8.3 Upfront Payment Policy

All commercial proposals require payment to be finalized before any editorial work or publication begins.

8.3.1 Prepayment Requirement: Payment for all commercial proposals is required upfront and in full before any content review or publication begins. Publication will not proceed until payment is verified.
8.3.2 Payment Terms: We do not accept "pay after live link" proposals.
8.3.3 Net 30 Exception: While we may offer $\text{Net 30}$ terms to established, pre-approved agencies for repeat business, the initial transaction must be prepaid through the official submission portal to formalize the commercial contract.
8.3.4 Payment Methods: A payment request will be issued upon acceptance, outlining the exact amount. We accept most major payment methods (credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, $\text{BACS}$) via our respective payment processors.

8.4 Sponsored Content and Disclosure

8.4.1 Transparency: All paid placements, product mentions, or sponsored links are clearly disclosed in compliance with $\text{FTC}$ and Google guidelines. This ensures transparency and maintains trust with our readers.

8.5 Rejection and Removal Rights

8.5.1 Right to Decline: Closer Lives reserves the right to decline any commercial submission that does not meet our editorial or ethical standards (See Section 1.0 and 2.0).
8.5.2 Removal Due to Breach: Posts may be removed at any time if they are found to breach these terms or if they harm the integrity or reputation of Closer Lives or its affiliates. Any content found to violate these standards may be edited or removed.

9.0 Post-Publication and Engagement

This section defines the ongoing life, promotion, and long-term partnership associated with all published guest posts on Closer Lives.

9.1 Article Permanence and Promotion

All published articles are treated as permanent features and receive continued visibility.

9.1.1 Permanent Hosting: Your article will remain permanently hosted on our website (unless removed for cause, as outlined in Section 4.3.3 and 8.5).
9.1.2 Internal Promotion: We will promote the article across our social media platforms (including Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Threads) at our editorial discretion.
9.1.3 Writer Promotion: You are encouraged to share your published post across your own platforms and networks to maximize its reach.

9.2 Author Credit and Bio

You will receive full credit and exposure via a dedicated author bio.

9.2.1 Bio Requirement: A short author bio (approx. 50–100 words) will appear at the end of your article.
9.2.2 Links: You may include:
- One link to your professional website/blog.
- One link to a social media profile of your choice.
9.2.3 Updates: Bio information can be updated upon request at any time.

9.3 Community and Interaction

We encourage active participation to foster a vibrant community around your work.

9.3.1 Engagement: Guest writers are strongly encouraged to engage with readers in the comments section for at least two weeks following publication.
9.3.2 Value: Thoughtful responses help foster a sense of community and increase visibility for your published work.

9.4 Long-Term Review and Maintenance

9.4.1 Ongoing Optimization: All published posts are reviewed every 3–6 months as part of our ongoing optimization process (e.g., SEO, updated links, and factual accuracy).
9.4.2 Notification: You will be notified by email if we plan to make substantial edits or updates to the core content of your article.

10.0 Content Updates and Removal Policy

All articles are subject to ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term relevance and performance.

10.1.1 General Maintenance: Articles may be updated, reformatted, or optimized for SEO and enhanced reader experience as needed (e.g., updating links, facts, or re-coding for new platform features).
10.1.2 Notification of Change: We will contact the original author by email if substantial or significant content changes (beyond basic formatting/SEO) are proposed.

10.2 Right to Content Removal

Closer Lives reserves the unconditional right to remove any article from the platform at any time for the following reasons:

10.2.1 Accuracy: The content contains outdated, inaccurate, or misleading information that cannot be easily rectified.
10.2.2 Breach of Ethics/Law: The content breaches copyright, legal, or ethical standards (See Section 4.1).
10.2.3 Reputation/Integrity: The content damages the reputation or integrity of Closer Lives or its affiliates.

💡 Goal: Our goal is to ensure that every published contribution continues to reflect the high editorial standards and long-term credibility of Closer Lives.

LAST UPDATED: 27/11/25

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