Tips for Getting Accepted
We are always on the lookout for new content for our site. However, there are times when we have to turn down a submission. This can be for a variety of reasons, and so don’t feel that it necessarily reflects the quality of your work. Below are some guidelines on the type of content that we are looking for.
What is the best fit for our site?
Our platform is all about what matters to young people. We want to hear about the issues you’re facing and the opportunities you’re excited about, your feelings about the state of the world and your thoughts on the future. Your experience is central to Voicebox’s mission; to provide a space for you to be creative and forward thinking, and to ensure that your voices are heard by decision makers in government, tech and culture.
We are primarily interested in pieces about emerging youth issues including:
- Digital trends and life online
- The changing tech and gaming landscapes
- Social and cultural shifts
- Emerging mental health challenges
- Issues impacting young people in your specific country or community
We want content that is rooted in your own experiences, especially if it’s something new or something that you think people aren’t talking about enough. However, your content is more likely to be accepted if it explores how a personal experience might relate to a wider issue or to other young people. While we love creative pieces - poetry, artwork, creative non-fiction - but we want to ensure that this is focused on emerging issues that your generation is facing right now.
Age range
Voicebox features work from young creators between the ages of 13 to 25. Please only create an account if you are over 13 years old. If you are over 25 you are welcome to create an account to follow the work of other creators, but we will not be able to accept any submissions.
Content restrictions
We are more than happy to accept content that is challenging and that doesn’t shy away from honest reflections of your experience. However, we will not accept content that is sexually explicit, that promotes violence of any kind, or content that is racist, homophobic, transphobic or sexist. Similarly, while we are interested in your views on health, finance and the legal system, we cannot accept content that offers explicit advice on these topics.
Content that discusses particular products and services are, especially those within the online world, is definitely welcomed. However, we want products and services to be explored critically rather than simply promoted. If you are submitting something on one of these topics, please avoid ‘best of’ type pieces.
Sometimes it can be hard to know whether your work fits within these restrictions. If you are at all unsure, ask us via email at content@voicebox.site and we’ll be more than happy to get back to you. Alternatively, sharing your piece with a friend, parent or guardian before submitting can help you get a second opinion.
Plagiarism and using sources
Taking inspiration from another creator’s work is often a great place to start. However, if you are doing this, please make sure that you cite them appropriately. Similarly, if you are using external sources like news articles or other reports, ensure that you hyperlink the source you used.
If you have any questions about how to do this or about what needs to be cited, you can always check with us via email at content@voicebox.site.
Using AI
While we are always interested in your views on AI and understand that it can be a useful tool, we ask that you avoid over-relying on AI to write your piece. We want original work that comes from you and reflects your experience, even if this isn’t as polished as AI might make it.
Word count
If you are submitting written content, try to stick between 500 - 1000 words. This is a guideline and submitting work that is longer or shorter does not automatically disqualify a piece, however if your piece goes over 1000 words we may need to work with you to shorten it.
We received a lot of submissions and want to make sure that we can review each one carefully: as such, we ask that you submit no more than three pieces a month.
FAQ
We hope to have covered most information about submitting content here. However, if you have any more questions please see our FAQ page, or alternatively reach out via email at content@voicebox.site.