Contributor Program · Estero SWFL
Write for Estero SWFL: Become a Local Contributor or Guest Journalist
Share local news, community stories, business spotlights and real estate insights with readers across Estero, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Southwest Florida.
Estero SWFL is a local resource for people who live in, are moving to or love Southwest Florida. We cover neighborhoods, things to do, local businesses, development news, hurricane preparation and real estate. We are opening our blog to local journalists, freelance writers, students, business owners and community experts who want to share well-reported stories with our readers.
If you write about Estero, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples, Cape Coral or the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Published contributors get a byline, an author bio with a link and a place to build their local portfolio.
Who We Are Looking For
- Local journalists and freelancers covering community news, government, development and business.
- Journalism and communications students at FGCU, Florida SouthWestern State College and other schools looking for published clips.
- Local business owners and professionals who can share expert advice, such as contractors, lenders, attorneys, insurance agents, inspectors and designers.
- Community voices involved with clubs, nonprofits, schools, churches and civic groups.
- Photographers and videographers who capture life in Southwest Florida.
Topics We Want to Publish
| Category | Example Story Ideas |
|---|---|
| Local news | Village of Estero council decisions, road projects, new parks and community updates |
| Development and growth | New communities, commercial projects and what they mean for residents |
| Business spotlights | New restaurants and shops, longtime local businesses, entrepreneurs |
| Things to do | Events, festivals, outdoor adventures, hidden gems and seasonal guides |
| Community stories | Volunteers, clubs, schools, nonprofits and neighbors making a difference |
| Home and lifestyle | Hurricane preparation, home maintenance in Florida, landscaping, design |
| Real estate and money | Market trends, insurance, HOA life, buying and selling tips |
| History | Koreshan Unity, Mound Key, Calusa history and how the area has changed |
Contributor Guidelines
- Original work only. Articles must be your own, unpublished work. Do not submit content published elsewhere.
- Accuracy matters. Verify facts, use reliable sources and link to them. Quote people accurately and identify yourself as writing for Estero SWFL.
- Local focus. Stories should be relevant to Southwest Florida readers.
- Length. Most articles run 800 to 2,000 words. In-depth guides can be longer.
- Photos. Submit only photos you took or have the rights to use, with captions and credits.
- No paid links or advertising. Articles cannot include sponsored links, affiliate links or promotional content without disclosure and approval.
- Disclose conflicts. If you have a business or personal connection to a subject, tell us and disclose it in the story.
- Respectful tone. No personal attacks, discriminatory content or unverified accusations.
- Editing. We may edit for length, clarity, accuracy, style and search optimization, and we have final approval on all content.
How It Works
- Apply: Fill out the form below. Write “Contributor Application” at the start of your message, and include a short bio, the topics you want to cover and links to two or three writing samples.
- Pitch: Once approved, send us a short pitch for each story idea before you write it.
- Write: Approved contributors receive a contributor login to draft articles on the site. Drafts are reviewed by our editors before anything goes live.
- Review: We edit, fact-check, add photos and links and send questions if needed.
- Publish: Your story goes live with your byline and author bio, and we share it with our audience.
What Contributors Get
- A byline and author bio on every published story.
- A link to your website, portfolio or social profile in your author bio.
- Published clips for your portfolio, which is especially valuable for students and new freelancers.
- Exposure to readers across Southwest Florida and people planning a move here.
- Opportunities for recurring columns for consistent, high-quality contributors.
Contributor FAQ
Do I need to be a professional journalist?
No. We welcome students, freelancers, local experts and community members, as long as your work is original, accurate and useful to local readers.
Is there a fee to contribute?
No. There is no cost to apply or publish.
Are contributors paid?
At this time contributions are unpaid, but you receive a byline, an author bio with a link and published clips. Ask us about recurring columns.
Can I promote my business?
You can include a short bio with a link to your business. Articles themselves should educate and inform, not advertise.
How long until my story is published?
Most approved stories are reviewed and published within one to two weeks, depending on edits and timeliness.
Can I submit an article I already published elsewhere?
No. We only publish original, unpublished work.
Who owns the article?
You keep the right to share links to your published story. Contact us about republishing rights before posting the full article elsewhere.
What areas can I write about?
Estero, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda and the rest of Southwest Florida.
Apply to Become a Contributor
Start your message with “Contributor Application” and include a short bio, your story topics and links to two or three writing samples.
Estero SWFL reserves the right to accept, edit or decline any submission. Contributors are responsible for the accuracy and originality of their work.