In response to a growing interest in guest articles, these guidelines establish goals for compatibility with the ClinicalReads format.
Brand Voice, Structure, Tone, and Submission Guidelines
ClinicalReads blends everyday life with medical clarity. We use a warm, relatable storytelling approach to introduce health topics—what we call the “sandwich” format. Your voice should feel trustworthy, human, and easy to follow.
Below is everything you need to write for ClinicalReads.
1. What We’re Looking For
ClinicalReads combines:
- A short fictional moment to humanize the topic
- Clear medical information that is accurate and easy to understand
- Practical advice readers can use
Our tone is:
- Warm
- Calm
- Clear
- Helpful
Think of a doctor explaining something plainly—with heart.
2. The “Sandwich” Structure (Required Template)
A. Anecdotal Hook (150–300 words)
A brief fictional scene featuring someone experiencing a health issue. Keep it simple, human, and relatable.
Your goal:
- Introduce the character
- Hint at the health challenge
- Lead naturally into the educational material
Dialogue is allowed but should remain modest and purposeful.
B. Condition Spotlight (400–800 words)
This is the educational center of the article.
Include:
- What the condition is
- Common causes
- Key symptoms
- Risks or complications
- How doctors diagnose it
Preferred topics relate to poster categories:Cardiology, chiropractor, clinical science, cosmetology, dentistry, dermatology, endocrinology, education, fitness, gastroenterology, gerontology, immunology, internist, marketing, mental health, nephrology, neurology, nutrition, ob-gyn, oncology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pediatrics, physiology, physiotherapy, podiatry, pulmonology, rheumatology, technology, urology, vision, writing.
Use medical terminology when appropriate, but explain terms in plain language.
Use up to five credible sources (CDC, NIH, Mayo Clinic, PubMed, WHO).
Avoid unsubstantiated causation like evolution.
C. Practical Guidance (300–600 words)
Offer realistic, actionable steps:
- Prevention
- Lifestyle adjustments
- When to seek medical care
- Home or safety considerations
Avoid personal medical advice or promises of outcomes.
D. Optional Closing Vignette (100–200 words)
Return briefly to the original character with a stable or hopeful movement forward. No perfect endings—just progress or clarity.
FAQ: Understanding the ClinicalReads “Sandwich” Structure
What does the “sandwich” structure mean?
The ClinicalReads “sandwich” has three layers: Story (an anecdotal hook), Science (a clear medical explanation), and Support (practical guidance a reader can use). Articles may end with a short optional closing vignette that returns to the character, but the sandwich itself ends with Support.
How long should the opening anecdotal hook be?
About 150–300 words. Enough to set the scene, introduce the issue, and create an emotional connection—without turning it into a full short story.
Do I have to write a closing vignette?
No, but it helps. A brief return to the character offers a grounded, hopeful finish. Keep it subtle and realistic.
Can the characters be based on real people?
Yes, as long as they are fictionalized for privacy. Composite characters work especially well.
How do I transition from the Story section to the Science section?
End the intro with a line that gestures toward the issue (“That morning was the first time he noticed the tremor”). Then begin the Condition Spotlight (Science section: definitions, causes, symptoms, risks, diagnosis).
3. Tone & Readability
Write in a way that feels:
- Friendly
- Smart, but not technical
- Clear
- Empowering, not alarming
Avoid:
- Second-person commands outside the guidance section
- Writer’s personal anecdotes
- Jokes or puns
- Fear-based language
- Filler phrases (“In today’s world…”)
Paragraphs should be short (2–5 sentences) for mobile readability.
Smart punctuation is welcome (curly quotes, em dashes, ellipses used judiciously).
FAQ: Writing Style and Tone
What tone should I use?
Warm, clear, and composed—like a calm clinician explaining something important without alarming the reader. Avoid slang or hyper-casual phrasing.
Can I write in first person?
Only sparingly. ClinicalReads articles generally use third-person or limited first-person in the anecdotal hook. Avoid diary-style writing.
How much dialogue is allowed?
Keep dialogue minimal and purposeful—used only in the anecdotal section, and only when it enhances realism.
How technical can I be?
Use medically accurate terms, but explain them plainly. The goal is clarity, not jargon. Every reader should feel capable of understanding the condition.
What reading level should I aim for?
Below grade 7. Short paragraphs, short sentences, and natural flow help maintain accessibility across mobile devices.
4. Length Guidelines
- Minimum: 600 words
- Typical: 1,000–1,400 words
- Maximum: 2,000 (with approval)
5. Links & Sources
Internal Links
- Embedded links to other ClinicalReads articles are encouraged.
External Links
- Number all external sources sequentially at the bottom of the article.
- External reference sources must be reputable (CDC, NIH, Mayo Clinic, WHO).
- A promotional link may be approved upon request (or discuss a reciprocal link beforehand).
Not Allowed
- Unapproved commercial links
- Affiliate links
6. Formatting Notes
- Use accessible headings (H4 or H5).
- Headings should be clear.
- Images are optional; the editor will select final imagery to maintain consistency.
- FAQ sections may be added during editing.
7. Acceptable Topics
We focus on:
- Everyday health
- Mental health
- Preventable diseases
- Nutrition
- Aging
- Children’s health
- Relationship dynamics affected by health
- Health issues referenced in ClinicalNovellas
Assignments will be provided, though pitches are welcome.
8. Submission Checklist
Before submitting, confirm:
- Text follows the sandwich structure
- Accurate medical explanations
- Practical guidance included
- Word count within limits
- Tone matches ClinicalReads
- All links work
- No filler phrases
- Internal links suggested
- External references are sequentially numbered at the bottom
- Optional: SEO title + description
9. What to Submit
- Article draft (Google Doc or Word)
- SEO title (≤60 characters)
- SEO description (≤150 characters)
- 3–5 keyword tags
- Suggested internal links
- Author acknowledgment:
- A brief bio (1–2 sentences) may be permissible
- Anonymous or reviewer credit, if preferred
FAQ: Submission, Sources, and Formatting
Do I need a medical degree to write for ClinicalReads?
No. You don’t need a medical degree—only the ability to research accurately, write clearly, and follow the ClinicalReads structure. If your draft is well-organized and fact-checked against reputable medical sources, the editorial review will ensure clinical accuracy where needed.
How should I cite medical sources?
Use sequential numbered references at the bottom of the article. Sources should be reputable (CDC, NIH, WHO, Mayo Clinic, major medical journals).
Can I add external links?
External links should appear only in the reference list unless a single approved promotional link has been prearranged with the editor.
Do I need to include images?
No. Images are optional. The editor will select final imagery to maintain ClinicalPosters standards and licensing requirements.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes. Some writers use initials, a pen name, or opt for ghostwriting. A brief author acknowledgement may be included when appropriate.
What should I submit?
Your article draft (Google Doc or Word), SEO title and description, 3–5 tags, suggested internal links, and—if desired—a short, optional author bio.
Support is always available. The sandwich structure is simple, and starter packages make the process even easier. With a clear hook, helpful medical insight, and practical guidance, you’re well on your way to writing strong ClinicalReads articles.
