Visualizing the Dark Reading submissions backlog. (Illustrative AI-generated image).
- Dark Reading is receiving more article submissions than ever before from the cybersecurity community.
- The increased volume has created a significant backlog, leading to longer response times for authors.
- This surge is attributed to cybersecurity professionals’ strong desire to share insights on current events and industry challenges.
- Dark Reading’s editorial team is small and struggling to keep up with the high submission rate.
- Steps are being taken to address the backlog, including workflow adjustments, hiring freelance editors, and improving communication with contributors.
- Contributors are advised to carefully read guidelines, check for similar topics, be patient, and consider time-sensitive news for other outlets.
The Thank You and the Apology
First, a sincere thank you. The cybersecurity community has always been generous with its knowledge, and that generosity is on full display right now. We are seeing more submissions from readers and contributors than ever before. That is a good problem to have. It shows that people care deeply about sharing what they know and helping others stay safe online.
But we also need to be honest. The volume has caught us off guard. We are a small editorial team, and we are struggling to keep up. If you have sent us an article and waited longer than usual for a reply, we are sorry. That is on us. We want every submission to get a fair read and a thoughtful response. Right now, that is taking more time than we would like.
We are writing this to explain what is happening and what we are doing about it. We want to be transparent with the people who make Dark Reading what it is: the practitioners, researchers, consultants, and leaders who write for us.
Why the Inbox Is Overflowing with Dark Reading Submissions
The short answer is that many more people are writing for us than in the past. We have not run any major campaigns to attract submissions. The surge appears to be organic. Cybersecurity professionals are feeling a stronger urge to share their experiences and insights.
What is driving this? It is hard to pin down one cause. The industry is busy. There have been high-profile ransomware attacks, new regulations like the SEC disclosure rules coming into effect, and a constant drumbeat of zero-day vulnerabilities. Practitioners who lived through these events want to tell their stories. They want to warn others or share lessons learned.
There is also a cultural shift. Many security pros who used to keep their methods close now see value in open discussion. Writing for a publication like Dark Reading helps them build their reputation and contribute to the community. That is great for the industry. But it does mean a lot more email for our editors.
We have not changed our submission guidelines or made it easier to get published. The bar is still the same. We still look for original, practical, and well-written content that helps our readers solve real problems. But with more submissions coming in, the time it takes to screen each one has gone up.
What the Dark Reading Submissions Backlog Means for Your Article
If you have sent us an article, here is what you can expect. Our process has not changed, but the timeline has stretched.
Normally, a submission gets an initial acknowledgment within a few days. Then an editor reads it to decide if it fits our coverage. That review usually takes one to two weeks. If the piece looks promising, an editor will contact you with feedback or a request for revisions. Once accepted, the article is scheduled for publication, which can take another few weeks depending on the queue.
Right now, the initial screening is taking longer. We have a backlog of several hundred unread submissions. Some may have been sitting in our inbox for more than a month. That is not acceptable, and we know it. But we want to be honest rather than make promises we cannot keep.
If you have not heard from us within four to six weeks, your submission is still in the queue. Please do not assume it was rejected. We simply have not gotten to it yet. We will get to it, but it will take time.
We also want to clarify that silence does not mean disinterest. A delayed response is not a reflection of your work’s quality. It is a reflection of our limited bandwidth.
How Dark Reading Is Addressing the Submissions Backlog
We are not sitting still. We are taking steps to clear the backlog and return to a normal response time.
First, we have adjusted our internal workflows. Editors are now dedicating more time to reading submissions. That means less time for other tasks, but clearing the queue is our top priority. We have also created a shared tracking system so no submission falls through the cracks.
Second, we are bringing in extra help. We have asked some trusted freelance editors to assist with the initial screening. They are experienced in cybersecurity writing and can help us sort through the pile faster. We are also training a new staff editor who will focus solely on contributed content.
Third, we are updating our submission guidelines to be clearer about what we are looking for. The goal is to help contributors self-select. If the guidelines are easier to follow, we will get fewer submissions that are clearly outside our scope. That should reduce the noise and let us focus on the promising pieces.
Finally, we are improving how we communicate with contributors. We plan to send automated acknowledgments so that everyone knows their submission was received. We are also exploring a status page where writers can check the progress of their article.
These changes will take time to show results. We are not promising overnight fixes. But we are committed to making things better.
Tips for Contributors During the Backlog
While we work through the backlog, there are a few things you can do to help yourself and help us.
Read the guidelines carefully. Before you write, look at our submission page. Make sure your topic fits Dark Reading’s audience of cybersecurity practitioners. We do not publish academic papers, product pitches, or general interest tech pieces. We want practical, actionable content. If you are unsure, send a short pitch first rather than a full draft.
Check for recent articles on your topic. If we have already published something similar in the past few months, your piece may be less likely to get picked. Try to find a fresh angle or an update on a developing situation.
Be patient with follow-ups. We understand the urge to check in. But sending multiple emails asking for status will not speed up the review. In fact, it can slow things down because an editor has to stop and respond. One follow-up after six to eight weeks is reasonable. After that, please trust that we have not forgotten you.
Consider other outlets if your news is time sensitive. If you are writing about a breaking vulnerability or a critical patch, Dark Reading may not be the best home if we are backlogged. Other cybersecurity publications may have shorter turnaround times. We will not be offended if you submit elsewhere. The important thing is that the community gets the information.
Keep writing. Even if this submission takes a while, do not stop sharing your knowledge. The cybersecurity field needs more voices. Write blog posts on your own site, post on LinkedIn, or submit to smaller newsletters. Your expertise is valuable, and there are many ways to get it out there.
Looking Ahead: Will This Become the New Normal?
We do not know if the surge in submissions will last. It could be a temporary spike driven by current events. It could be a permanent shift as more professionals realize the benefits of writing for a wide audience.
If the higher volume persists, we will need to adapt. That might mean being more selective about what we accept. It could mean publishing more frequently or adding more editorial staff. It could also mean setting clearer expectations upfront about response times.
We do not want to turn away good content. But we also do not want to leave contributors in limbo for months. The current situation is not sustainable. We are working to find a balance that respects both the writers who trust us and the readers who rely on us.
For now, we ask for your patience and understanding. We are grateful for every submission. The fact that you choose to share your hard-won expertise with Dark Reading is an honor. We do not take it for granted.
We will keep you updated as we clear the backlog and improve our processes. If you have ideas for how we can do better, we welcome your feedback. You can reach us at the same submission email or through our editorial contact form.
Thank you for being part of this community. And thank you for crushing our inbox with great ideas. We are working hard to respond to every one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dark Reading experiencing a submissions backlog?
Dark Reading is experiencing a backlog due to an unusually high volume of article submissions from the cybersecurity community. This surge is organic and not the result of any specific campaign, indicating a strong desire among professionals to share their knowledge and experiences.
What is causing the increase in article submissions?
The increase is driven by several factors, including high-profile cyberattacks, new regulations, and the constant emergence of zero-day vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity professionals are motivated to share lessons learned and warn others, alongside a cultural shift towards more open discussion and reputation building.
How long will it take to get a response to a submission?
Normally, an initial acknowledgment takes a few days, with an editorial review completed in one to two weeks. However, due to the backlog, screening is taking longer. If you haven't heard back within four to six weeks, your submission is still in the queue and not necessarily rejected.
What is Dark Reading doing to manage the backlog?
Dark Reading is adjusting internal workflows, dedicating more editor time to submissions, and implementing a shared tracking system. They are also bringing in freelance editors for initial screening and training a new staff editor focused on contributed content.
Should I follow up if I haven't heard back about my submission?
While patience is appreciated, one follow-up email after six to eight weeks is considered reasonable. Sending multiple emails will not speed up the review process and may even slow it down. Trust that your submission is being processed.
What kind of content does Dark Reading look for?
Dark Reading seeks original, practical, and well-written content that helps cybersecurity practitioners solve real problems. They do not publish academic papers, product pitches, or general tech pieces. Contributors are advised to carefully read the submission guidelines to ensure their topic is a good fit.
What if my news is time-sensitive?
If your article concerns breaking news, a critical vulnerability, or a patch, Dark Reading's current backlog might mean a slower turnaround than ideal. For time-sensitive information, consider submitting to other cybersecurity publications that may have shorter review times.
