Submit Content

Here are the guidelines for writing and submitting an article or paper for publication.

General information

• We reserve the right to use our editorial discretion when deciding to publish articles and papers on Automation.com.
• We appreciate original material, but features may be adapted from blog posts, whitepapers, case studies or other materials. We do not accept articles or papers that have been copyrighted by another publication. Our editors can make recommendations or adapt your source material for publication, subject to your approval.
• Articles submitted by PR companies can be ghost-written and bylined by someone within the client company. Case studies can appear with just the submitting company’s name.
• If quoting another person or source, identify the source. If citing other materials, provide a link to the source.
• Articles and papers will be edited for ISA style and search engine optimization. 
• In keeping with ISA's dedication to providing high-quality resources, articles may be subject to practitioner/SME review to validate technical accuracy.
• Please submit features and white papers to [email protected].

Article/paper specifications

• Feature articles are generally 500-1,500 words, very focused in their topic, and shorter is usually better. They should contain no more than 2 links to references or resources. 
• If a topic requires a longer, more in-depth analysis, we will consider it for publication as a paper. Papers are 1,800- 3,000 words and should contain resource references, either linked in the body copy or listed at the end. 
• We also welcome case studies--specific applications of technology at specific locations--and the length is up to 1,500 words. We prefer the specific location/installation to be named, but will consider unnamed sites if enough technical specifics are provided. The technology supplier should always be named and linked to.  
• Opinion pieces are rare but will be considered. 500-1,500 words advocating for a specific type of technology, approach, or activity. We reserve the right to reject opinion pieces for any reason. 
• Provide a headline. If the article is adapted from an existing white paper or report, create a different headline for the article. 
• Provide a one- to two-sentence summary of the article or paper. 
• Provide a two to three-sentence or a 350-character bio that includes the author’s name, ISA affiliation (if applicable), company affiliation and website, and LinkedIn profile URL. If there are multiple authors, include this information for each author. 
• If available, provide a high-resolution headshot (preferably 300 dpi, 640 x 640 pixels) for each author. 
• Submit the document as a Word file attachment to the email.
• Do not send PDFs or .zip files.
• Include high-resolution images--preferably original, native files--as separate attachments in .JPG, .GIF or .PNG format. Do not embed images in the email message. It is preferred that any images be in the native format, such as Visio, PowerPoint, Photoshop, or any other creation program.
• Preferred main/top/feature image size is 1518 x 950 pixels. Preferred size for additional figures within text copy is 1000 x [height].
• If you include multiple figures, include the figure number and a short description in the file name.

We do not permit

• References to competitors by name in any potentially comparative or exclusive manner, other than a general awareness mention in the most evenly represented, data-based, fair way. 
• Content that is product-specific or promotional in nature or that explicitly tries to sell a product or service. Advertising space is available separately. 
• Any discussion that, under normal standards of courtesy and maturity, would offend a provider of similar equipment and services. 

If you have any questions, see our Media Planner or contact Renee Bassett for more information.