Frequently Asked Questions

Who can write for the blog?

Any trainee — undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral — associated with the University of Michigan on any campus. We don’t take guest posts from outside individuals or companies, or posts from alumni.

How do I pitch a piece?

Submit your name and idea through our pitch form. Our editor-in-chief will review your submission and contact you by email with feedback on your pitch.

Do I need to have a draft ready when I pitch?

No. We take submissions at all stages of idea development — a few sentences describing your idea is enough. If you don’t have any ideas, fill out the pitch form and our Editor-in-Chief will schedule a brainstorming meeting with you.

What topics do you cover?

Anything within STEAMM — science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and medicine.

Can I write about my own research?

You can, though we strongly discourage writing about unpublished work.

I don’t consider myself a strong writer, but I want to learn. Can I still write for the blog?

Yes. The blog is an opportunity for writers of all skill levels to develop their abilities.

What are the stages a piece goes through?

1. Outlining (optional) — you pick a topic and build an outline, working with a senior editor if you’d like.
2. Structure editing — you submit a first draft and your senior editor works with you on scope and how the ideas progress.
3. Content editing — content editors give feedback on the narrative and the science.
4. Editorial review — the senior editor reviews the draft with input from the editor-in-chief, then talks through any final changes with you.
5. Publication — the piece is published and shared on our social accounts.

The full workflow page has more detail on each stage.

How long does it take to go from pitch to published?

It varies, and we’d rather not promise a number we can’t keep. Pace depends on how quickly drafts come back at each stage — from you and from us. Our editors are trainees fitting this around their own research, so timelines flex. If you have a deadline in mind, say so when you pitch and we’ll tell you whether it’s realistic.

Can I get feedback from people outside the editorial team?

Absolutely. We encourage authors to seek feedback outside our editorial process.

What is EquilibriUM?

Our print magazine, intersecting STEM and art. It’s longer-form and more visual than the blog, published in themed editions with room for illustration and design work. See About EquilibriUM or browse past editions.

How do I pitch to EquilibriUM?

Each Fall we construct a new editorial and illustration team for our next EquilibriUM edition. Following this, we decide on the theme and put out a call for pitches (through email and socials). You are welcome to join as a writer, editor, illustrator, or leadership each year.

Does my piece get artwork?

Our illustration team selects pieces they would like to illustrate, so illustration isn’t guaranteed.

Do you publish in languages other than English?

Yes. We publish in Korean, Spanish, and Chinese alongside English. Pieces are edited in English first, then translated. As with illustration, the translation team chooses which pieces they take on.

Can I contribute as an illustrator or translator rather than a writer?

Yes. Neither team requires prior professional experience — attending the relevant semester workshop is how you join. See Join our team.

What workshops do you run?

Once a semester we run workshops on editing, illustrating, and translating into Korean, Spanish, and Chinese. They’re free to attend, and attending is how you join the editing, illustration, or translation teams.

How do I join MiSciComm?

Through our Join our team page. Along with our writing, editing, illustrating, and translating opportunities, we will recruit for our executive team in the fall if there are positions available.

Do I have to be a member to write for the blog?

No. Writing for the blog is open to any U-M trainee, member or not. Joining our community unlocks networking opportunities, social events, and additional workshops such as our digital design workshop.