SFI essays are normally 1,000 words. Authors should supply an attractive, descriptive title, a short biography (about 50 words), and a high-resolution (at least 1 MB) head and shoulders photograph. We also need an email address for proofs and a postal address so that we can send hard copies of the finished pamphlet to authors.

When preparing your SFI contribution, please bear in mind that SFI pamphlets need to grab the attention of readers who could be quite new to the world of public management: will people outside the council/local government really understand what you are saying?

Therefore there should be no jargon, authors should not assume that readers
understand or know about reports, papers, people and legislation not in
their immediate field. Writing style should be clear and direct and in the first
person. Footnotes and references should be kept to the absolute minimum and avoided if possible.

For spelling, please follow the Concise Oxford Dictionary. General style follows the Guardian’s standard because the main method of distribution of SFI pamphlets is through the Guardian’s Public magazine: double quotation marks, minimal use of capital letters (for titles only). If in doubt authors should refer to the Guardian’s online style guide:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/styleguide

Contact Michaela Lavender with questions: micky@mickylavender.com