Editorial Process & Selection Criteria at IL Weekly

Mission Statement

At IL Weekly, we’re driven by the mission to inform, inspire, and elevate. From statehouse decisions and business pivots to cultural movements and industry-firsts, we’re here to deliver timely, thought-provoking content that reflects the pulse of Illinois and its role in the national conversation. Our editorial focus spans business, politics, tech, education, finance, lifestyle, and real-time developments shaping our world.

How We Source Content

We thrive on trusted storytelling and informed perspectives. IL Weekly sources content through a mix of in-house editorial reporting, freelance journalists, community contributors, and expert voices across sectors. We welcome fresh viewpoints that align with our editorial standards and reflect the spirit, diversity, and momentum of Illinois life. Interested in contributing? Read on.

Our Four-Stage Editorial Process

1. Submission Guidelines

We accept contributions from vetted professionals, regional voices, and subject matter experts with insight into the industries and issues our readers care about.

• All submissions must follow IL Weekly’s editorial tone, structure, and format.
• Content should be original, well-sourced, and relevant to Illinois’ business, civic, or cultural landscape.
• Contributors may receive guidance from our editorial team to refine their pitch before review.

2. Editorial Review

Every piece goes through a structured, two-step review process:

• Compliance Check: We vet all content for alignment with our ethics policies. That means no hate speech, misinformation, graphic adult content, extreme bias, or unauthorized promotional content.
• Relevance & Accuracy: Articles must be current, clearly sourced, and contextually relevant. We look for meaningful insights, not recycled headlines.

3. Preliminary Approval

If your submission passes compliance and content review, it proceeds to preliminary approval. You may be asked to revise for tone, flow, or style to better reflect IL Weekly’s voice and readership expectations.

4. Final Approval & Publication

Once finalized, content is approved for publication and scheduled accordingly. Typical publishing timelines range from 7–14 business days, unless the piece is held for themed issues or special features.

Submit a Story or Article Pitch

We’re actively seeking compelling narratives, local changemakers, and thought leadership with a point of view. Whether you’re a first-time writer with a strong story or an expert with fresh analysis, we want to hear from you.

Email your pitch or draft to: [email here]

Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and you’ll hear back from our editorial team within 10–14 business days.

Marketing, Sponsored Content & Advertising Inquiries

Looking to position your brand alongside the region’s most trusted business reporting? We offer integrated sponsorship packages, branded content opportunities, and strategic ad placements designed to maximize visibility.

Contact our media team at: [email protected]

Custom packages include homepage banners, in-article sponsorships, event collaborations, and newsletter features tailored to your audience goals.