Write for PLJ

Article Submission Guidelines

Welcome to Profiles in Leadership Journal!

We’re excited to invite you to contribute your voice to our evolving conversation on inclusive, impactful leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a rising leader, or a practitioner making change within your organization, your insights matter. We publish articles that speak to real-world challenges and offer real-world solutions. Thank you for sharing your leadership story and helping us inspire, inform, and elevate others.

Our Mission

Profiles in Leadership Journal exists to spotlight leadership that makes a difference. We publish real-world strategies, experiences, and insights from professionals across industries who are advancing workplace excellence through inclusive leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven action. Since 1999, we have recognized and shared the voices of senior leaders, rising talent, and changemakers shaping the future of leadership in corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, the military, and government.

We welcome compelling articles that offer practical, original ideas and strategies—content our readers can use in their work and leadership journeys. Our audience includes time-pressed leaders facing real challenges and seeking real solutions. For that reason, all submissions should be clear, concise, and actionable.

Writing Guidelines

  1. Write with clarity and respect. Use a tone that is honest, grounded, and professional. Speak peer-to-peer.
  2. Avoid jargon and academic language. Define acronyms and abbreviations. Write as though your reader is smart—but busy.
  3. Be concise. Get to the heart of your story quickly. Provide only essential background.
  4. Favor active voice. It brings your writing to life.
  5. Use formatting tools. Subheadings, bullet points, call-out boxes, and short paragraphs make your article easier to read.
  6. Share real experiences. Be transparent about your leadership or organizational challenges. Our readers value honesty and learn best from authentic stories, not polished spin.
  7. Focus on practical insights. Consider including answers to:
    • What challenge or opportunity did you face?
    • What specific actions did you take?
    • What lessons did you learn?
    • How were outcomes measured?
    • What would you do differently?
  8. Bring your article to life with examples. Real-world scenarios, case studies, and storytelling engage readers and create memorable takeaways.
  9. Offer value, not self-promotion. Helpful insights leave a stronger impression than promotional content.
  10. Include visuals. Charts, graphics, and infographics are welcome to help illustrate concepts or results clearly.
  11. Originality is essential. We accept only original, unpublished content. Articles should be 500–1,500 words.
  12. Copyright. Once published, Profiles in Leadership Journal holds the copyright to your article.
  13. Style Guide. Please follow the Chicago Manual of Style for grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
  14. Use quotations where appropriate. Quotes from leaders, employees, or stakeholders can enrich your piece and add authenticity.

Submit articles / commentary / write-ups, photos and complete contact information to:

James R. Rector
Publisher
publisher@leadershipjournal.com