How to file a story.

1. Before you write

• Be sure of the basic facts: who, what, where, when, and how you know.
• For anything you did not see yourself, get two independent sources, or an official document.
• Take photos and short videos where it is safe and lawful, and note who took them.

2. Write it in the portal

• Open Write a story in your portal. Start with the most important fact in the first line.
• Keep sentences short. Quote people exactly, and say who they are.
• Fill in the Sources box: names of documents, officials or witnesses, with links wherever possible.
• Add photos with a caption and a credit. Use only your own pictures or ones you have permission to use.

3. Send it to the desk

• Press Submit for review. An editor checks the facts, the law and the language, and may ask you questions.
• If the story comes back with changes requested, the editor’s note tells you exactly what is needed.
• Breaking news? Send a short version first and update it as you learn more.

4. After it is published

• Your story appears in your own section with your name, photo and post.
• If you find a mistake, tell the desk at once. We correct openly and note the correction.
• Follow up: what happened next is often the better story.