Voluntary Contribution Policy

Here are the shortcuts to our policies that must be read along with each other:

• Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Voluntary Contribution Policy

1. Introduction

HeartBeat by Store with a Heart welcomes voluntary contributions from writers, experts, thought leaders, and enthusiasts who wish to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights with our audience. This policy outlines the guidelines, expectations, and terms applicable to all voluntary submissions. By submitting content, contributors agree to comply with these terms.

2. Eligibility for Contributions

We accept contributions from individuals who:

• Have expertise, experience, or a passion for the subject matter relevant to our audience.
• Can provide original, high-quality content that aligns with our editorial standards.
• Agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

3. Submission Guidelines

3.1 Content Requirements

• All submissions must be original and not previously published elsewhere unless explicitly agreed upon.
• Contributions should be well-researched, fact-checked, and free of plagiarism.
• The content must align with our publication’s values, themes, and tone.
• Submissions should be free of hate speech, discrimination, defamation, or inappropriate content.
• If referencing external sources, proper citations must be provided.

3.2 Formatting & Style

• Articles should be submitted in [preferred format, e.g., Word document, Google Docs, or plain text].
• Word count: [e.g., 800–1,500 words] (unless otherwise specified).
• Use clear, concise, and engaging language.
• We encourage the use of headings, subheadings, and bullet points for readability.
• Images, infographics, or multimedia elements are welcome but must be properly attributed and free of copyright restrictions.

4. Editorial Review & Approval

• Submissions undergo a review process to ensure they meet our quality and editorial standards.
• We reserve the right to edit content for grammar, style, clarity, and length while preserving the author’s intent.
• Not all submissions will be published. Our editorial team has sole discretion over publication decisions.
• Contributors will be notified of acceptance or rejection within 6 months.

5. Rights & Permissions

5.1 Copyright & Ownership

• Contributors retain ownership of their work but grant HeartBeat by Store with a Heart a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to publish, distribute, and promote the content across our platforms.
• If exclusivity is required, this will be discussed and agreed upon before publication.
• If a contributor wishes to republish their content elsewhere, they must credit HeartBeat by Store with a Heart as the original publisher.

5.2 Republishing & Modifications

• We reserve the right to republish the content in other formats (e.g., newsletters, ebooks, print editions, etc.).
• Minor edits for readability, SEO optimization, and formatting may be applied without prior notification.

6. Attribution & Contributor Profiles

• Contributors will receive byline credit, and where applicable, a short bio (around 20 to 100 words) with a link to their website, social media, or portfolio (subject to editorial approval).
• Promotional or self-serving links should be relevant and not excessive. We reserve the right to remove or modify links.

7. Compensation & Benefits

• Contributions are voluntary and unpaid unless otherwise stated in a separate agreement.
• Contributors gain exposure to our readership and an opportunity to establish thought leadership in their field.
• Though not automatically guaranteed, published articles may be featured in our other channels and marketing efforts, increasing visibility.

8. Ethics & Liability

• Contributors are responsible for ensuring their content does not violate copyright laws, defamation laws, or ethical journalism standards.
• HeartBeat by Store with a Heart is not liable for any legal claims arising from submitted content.
• AI-generated content must be disclosed and should be used as a supplement rather than a replacement for human authorship.

9. Withdrawal & Removal of Content

• Contributors may request content removal with a valid reason, but HeartBeat by Store with a Heart retains discretion over whether to grant the request.
• We reserve the right to remove content at any time if it no longer aligns with our guidelines or for legal reasons.

10. Agreement to Terms

By submitting content to HeartBeat by Store with a Heart, contributors or their authorized representatives acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this policy.

For any inquiries, clarifications, or submission proposals, please use our Contact Form.