ScientistsHub Writer's Tone & Formatting Guide

Welcome to ScientistsHub 🔬

Thank you for choosing to contribute to ScientistsHub — where science meets storytelling. Whether you're a researcher, science communicator, or passionate educator, this guide is your roadmap to creating content that informs, engages, and inspires our global community.

Our Mission

ScientistsHub exists to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and curious minds everywhere. We publish rigorously researched, beautifully written articles across disciplines like biotechnology, environmental science, emerging technologies, health, medicine, and more. Our readers range from undergraduates to established professionals — all seeking knowledge that's both trustworthy and accessible.

Your role as a contributor is simple: help us make science less intimidating and far more exciting.

Tone & Voice: The ScientistsHub Sound

Core Principles

Our writers embody three qualities:

Clear – We demolish jargon walls. Complex concepts should feel understandable, not simplified into inaccuracy. Think "explaining to an intelligent friend" rather than "dumbing down."
Credible – Every claim is backed by data, research, or expert insight. We're opinionated when appropriate, but never without foundation. Our readers trust us because we earn that trust.
Engaging – We write with personality. Science doesn't require a robotic tone. Use active voice, strategic emphasis, and genuine enthusiasm. Let your passion for the subject shine through.

The Balance We Strike

  • ✓ Accurate but not academic – Use precise terminology without excessive jargon. If you must use a term, briefly explain it.
  • ✓ Authoritative but approachable – We know what we're talking about, and we make it easy for readers to know it too.
  • ✓ Informative but not overwhelming – Depth without density. Readers shouldn't need a dictionary.
  • ✓ Professional but personable – We're not cold; we're conversational. Contractions, occasional rhetorical questions, and second-person address are welcome.

Voice Examples

❌ Too academic:

"The phenomenon of photosynthetic efficiency degradation demonstrates inversely proportional correlation with climatic temperature elevation."

✓ ScientistsHub tone:

"Plants actually get lazy in extreme heat — their photosynthesis efficiency drops as temperatures climb."

Structure & Flow: Building Your Article

Recommended Article Architecture

Every strong ScientistsHub article follows this proven structure:

1

Compelling Title

  • 50-70 characters (fits across devices)
  • Make it benefit-driven or curiosity-sparking
  • Example: "Why Your Brain Works Better in Cold Weather" or "The Dark Side of Antibiotic Resistance"
2

Engaging Introduction (75-150 words)

  • Hook the reader immediately with a question, surprising fact, or relatable scenario
  • Briefly state what the article covers
  • Explain why it matters to them
3

Subheadings & Body Content (organized in 3-5 main sections)

  • Use descriptive subheadings that preview content
  • Each section: 200-400 words
  • Maintain consistent depth and pacing
4

Data/Evidence Section (where applicable)

  • Include key statistics, study findings, or expert quotes
  • Present research clearly (link to sources when possible)
5

Practical Implications or "So What?" Section

  • Translate findings into real-world relevance
  • What should readers do, think, or understand?
6

Conclusion (75-125 words)

  • Recap main takeaways (not word-for-word repeat)
  • End with forward-looking insight or call to reflection
  • Leave readers with a sense of completion and wonder
7

References/Sources (as footnotes or links)

  • All claims should be traceable
  • Use proper citation format (see submission requirements)

Formatting Rules: The Technical Side

Headings

  • Use H2 for main sections (# is reserved for article titles)
  • Use H3 for subsections (rare, but fine when organizing complex sections)
  • Keep headings descriptive and concise
  • Avoid ending headings with colons or punctuation

Paragraphs

  • Length: 2-4 sentences per paragraph (aim for readability)
  • Spacing: Include a line break between paragraphs
  • Opening: Every new paragraph should transition logically or introduce new information
  • Avoid: Single-sentence paragraphs (except for occasional dramatic effect)

Emphasis

Bold – Use for key terms, essential takeaways, and names/products when first introduced
✓ Correct: "CRISPR gene editing has revolutionized..."
✗ Avoid: "CRISPR gene editing has revolutionized"
Italics – Use for scientific names (in Latin), emphasis on abstract concepts, or occasional rhetorical emphasis
✓ Correct: "The bacterium E. coli plays a crucial role..."
✓ Correct: "This finding is truly groundbreaking"

Lists

Unordered lists (bullet points) – For categories, options, or non-sequential items
  • Use when order doesn't matter
  • Keep items parallel in structure
  • Each item should be scannable
Ordered lists (numbered) – For steps, chronological events, or ranked items
  • Use when sequence matters
  • Example: explaining a biological process step-by-step

Content Expectations: What We're Looking For

Word Count

  • Ideal range: 1,000–2,500 words
  • Minimum: 600 words (unless it's a briefing/news item)
  • Maximum: 3,500 words (keep focus; longer pieces often dilute impact)

Originality

  • 100% original work or properly attributed translations
  • No plagiarism (we use plagiarism detection tools)
  • You may reference previous ScientistsHub articles — link them!
  • Guest contributions should be previously unpublished

Fact-Checking & Accuracy

  • All factual claims require support: statistics, studies, expert quotes
  • Cite sources within the text or footnotes
  • Use peer-reviewed journals, authoritative organizations, or primary research
  • For contentious topics, include multiple perspectives
  • Our editorial team will verify claims, but accuracy starts with you

Relevance

  • Align with ScientistsHub's coverage areas (Science, Tech, Health, Medicine, Biotech, Environmental Science, Emerging Tech)
  • Avoid overly niche topics unless they have broader implications
  • Consider: Why would our diverse audience care about this?

Quick Writing Tips: Your Pre-Submit Checklist

Tone Reminders

  • Read aloud. Does it sound like a person talking, or a robot programmed by lawyers?
  • Cut filler. "Actually," "quite," "really," "very" — delete 90% of these.
  • Vary sentence length. Mix short punchy sentences with longer, flowing ones. Creates rhythm.
  • Show, don't tell. Instead of "This discovery is revolutionary," show why through evidence.

Flow Enhancers

  • Transition words: Use them (However, Furthermore, Notably) but don't overdo it
  • Logical progression: Move from simple to complex, or cause to effect
  • Paragraph unity: Each paragraph = one main idea
  • Signposting: Tell readers what's coming ("Next, we'll explore...") and what they just learned

Proofreading Power Move

Before submitting, do this three-pass review:

  1. Read for sense: Does it flow? Is the argument clear? Does each sentence advance the point?
  2. Read for accuracy: Verify every number, quote, and claim. Check links.
  3. Read for polish: Grammar, spelling, consistency (tone, terminology, hyphenation). Read slowly or backward.

Bonus: Use Hemingway Editor or similar tools for readability scores. Aim for "8th grade" level — which means clear, not dumbed down.

Submission Info: Getting Your Work to Us

Step 1

Prepare Your Draft

Format:

  • Microsoft Word (.docx) OR Google Docs link
  • Use the template: [Link will be provided by editor]
  • Double-spaced, 12pt font, standard margins

Include with submission:

  • Article title
  • 155-160 character meta description
  • Author bio (50-100 words): credentials, links, social media handles
  • 2-3 primary keywords
  • Estimated read time
Step 2

Cite Your Sources

Provide sources in one of these formats:

  • For academic citations: Use APA format (brief guide will be provided)
  • For web sources: Include full URL, author, publication date, and access date
  • For interviews/expert quotes: Include source name, title, and affiliation
  • In the document: Use footnotes or hyperlinks to source material
Step 3

Submit

Email: contributors@scientistshub.com

Subject line: "[SUBMISSION] Your Article Title - [Your Name]"

Include:

  • Your draft as an attachment
  • All metadata listed above
  • Brief note: Is this a first-time submission? Any special context?
Step 4

The Review Process (What Happens Next)

  1. Initial screening (48-72 hours): We check for relevance, originality, and basic quality
  2. Editorial review (3-5 days): Our team assesses tone, accuracy, structure, and SEO
  3. Feedback: You'll receive either acceptance, minor revisions, or major revisions requested
  4. Revision turnaround: We typically allow 1-2 weeks for revisions
  5. Final approval & publication: Once approved, we'll schedule and promote your piece

Questions during the process? We're here for you. Our editor responds within 24 hours.

Closing Note: You're Part of Science's Future

Thank you for caring enough about science communication to do it right. Every article you contribute to ScientistsHub has the potential to spark curiosity, shift perspectives, and inspire the next generation of scientists, students, and informed citizens.

Yes, we have standards. Yes, accuracy matters immensely. But here's the secret: those constraints don't limit creativity — they focus it. The best science writing is clear and compelling. It's rigorous and readable. It's expert and approachable.

You already understand your subject deeply. Your job now is to be a generous guide for readers who don't — yet.

We're genuinely excited to read your work and proud to share it with our community. Welcome aboard.

Questions? Reach out to our editorial team. We're rooting for you.

"The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate 'apparently ordinary' people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in making winners out of ordinary people."
— ScientistsHub Editorial Team

Let's make science winners of ordinary readers. That's the ScientistsHub promise.

Happy writing. 🧪✨