First Time Asavana Style Guide

Signing up for Asavana.com requires a small writing test to ensure quality standards. Mainly, that the content is relevant and stands up to native-english syntax and grammar. We ask that you read through our style guide carefully before proceeding to the next step.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

1. Article Headings

Header Settings

  • Assign headings/subheadings a level using the text editor’s “Format” drop-down menu.
  • Headings should start with H2 (the article title will be considered H1)
  • Sections between headings/subheadings should not be longer than 350 words (can be shorter)
  • Please refer to this HubSpot article for an explanation of how heading levels work.

Header Styling

  • Headings should be in plain text
    • Do not bold, italicize, or underline.
  • Headings should be in Title Case (The first letter of each word is capitalized)
    • Do not use ALL CAPS for your headings

2. Paragraphs

Paragraph Styling

  • Paragraphs should be shorter for readability (around 5-6 sentences max)
  • Paragraph lengths should vary for interest
  • You can bold or italicize when necessary (ie: steps in instructions)

Note: if you write in a Google Doc and then paste your work into the submission box, it will be all bolded. Please unbold the text.

Introduction Paragraph

  • Try to include a keyword from the article title in your first sentence.
  • Your introduction paragraph does NOT need a header.
  • You should include an introduction (even if it’s shorter) to improve readability.
  • Avoid formal, bland phrases like these:
    • “This article is going to talk about…”
    • “Today I’m going to share with you…”

Conclusion Paragraph

  • You should include a conclusion (even if it’s shorter) to improve readability.
  • Use discretion on whether or not your conclusion needs a header.
  • A conclusion header can be simple like, “Conclusion” or “Final Verdict”
  • Avoid bland closings like these:
    • “I hope this helps!”
    • “Have a great day!”

3. Writing Technique

Point of View

  • For most articles, please use the second-person p.o.v,
    • (ie: “When you go to the store, you should use coupons to save money.”)
  • Avoid the formal third-person
    • (ie: “At the store, one should use coupons.”)
  • You can, when fitting, use the first-person p.o.v. to tell a brief anecdote
    • (ie: “I once visited L.A.”)

Tone

  • Unless otherwise stated, please use a friendly, professional tone.
  • Many writer’s are too formal. Here are things that can relax your tone:
    • Use Active Voice in your writing ( “He ran” instead of “He was running”)
    • Using contractions (You’re, Shouldn’t, Don’t)
    • Vary sentence length (short/medium/ long)
    • Use transitions (“Essentially, you’ll need to reset your phone”)

Grammar

  • Please complete a spell-check before submitting your work.

4. Word Count

  • Please stay within the word count range for SEO.
  • If a topic is very short, don’t be afraid to think creatively about other relevant topics you could cover that can help you reach your word count.

5. Sources

All writing you submit in Asavana should be original content. Copying text directly from another source is considered plagiarism.

How to Research and Create Original Content

  • If you’re researching a new topic, follow these guidelines
    • Learn the information on your own and record key points.
    • Write about what you’ve learned in your own words from your own unique perspective.
    • If you use a quote, statistic/fact, or close paraphrase, cite the source with the guidelines below

How to Cite Your Sources

  • Try to give credit in the text and link the source name directly to the source URL
    • (ie: “According to Garden Life Magazine,...”)
    • (ie: “When asked, Mark Jacobsen said…”)
  • If you can’t give credit, link a relevant keyphrase
    • (ie: “Over the decade, the star had seventeen films that won Academy Awards.”)

6. Images

As a policy, we only accept images from two locations:

  • Unsplash.com
    • You can insert the image link in the “Image URL” box when you submit an article.
    • Please do not include a “photo credit” section in your article. (Our editors will care of that as needed)
  • Screenshots
    • Only include screenshots when required by the article notes
    • Screenshots should not be drawn over (arrows, circles, lines, etc.)

 

Thank you for reading through our style guide. From here we ask that you submit or write a sample piece for review. The main objective is to ensure that the content is relevant and stands up to native-english syntax and grammar. Please review site policies before submitting.