Editorial Policy of The Stone Magazine

The Stone Magazine is an industry-focused online publication about the U.S. stone market, launched in early 2025 by the team behind Countertops Contractors — the first national rating platform for stone product manufacturers and installers.

Our editorial policy applies to expert articles published in the magazine free of charge. It has been developed for our contributors to ensure the creation and publication of high-quality, expert, and informative content that serves the interests of our readers and supports the growth of the industry.

Our Mission

To create a leading platform for stone industry professionals and homeowners by providing relevant, reliable, and practical knowledge and insights that reflect the current state of the industry, support its development, and help both professionals and homeowners make informed decisions.

Our Core Values

• Expertise: We publish content only from recognized professionals with proven experience
• Practical Value: Every article provides readers with actionable knowledge and concrete solutions
• Credibility: All facts and recommendations are verified and supported by reliable sources
• Objectivity: We maintain editorial independence and avoid hidden advertising
• Support for Industry Growth: We explore the past, reflect on the present, and help shape the future of the U.S. stone industry through knowledge exchange between professionals and non-professionals

Author Requirements

• Professionals: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience, qualifications info, U.S.-market focused content
• Consumers: Personal experience with stone products, practical advice

More details available on the “Become an Author” page.

Requirements for Expert Contributor Content

Key Quality Principles

Originality and Uniqueness

• Content must be written specifically for The Stone Magazine
• Rewriting at least 70% required if republishing
• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited

Relevance and Practical Value

• Must address current U.S. stone industry needs
• Must reflect U.S. standards, regulations, and market
• Must provide actionable knowledge

Accuracy and Objectivity

• All claims must be supported by reliable sources
• Opinions must be clearly marked
• Content must remain unbiased

Policy on AI-Generated Content

Not allowed:

• Fully AI-generated material without human involvement
• Undisclosed use of AI as original author

Allowed:

• Drafting, structuring, research, grammar & style assistance with AI

Nature of Published Content

• Informative and educational
• Subtle demonstration of expertise
• Mention of company only in expert context
• No service promotion

Not accepted: Direct ads, commercial offers, product presentations, promotional content.

Technical Requirements

Article Formats

Format 1: Classic Expert Article

• Engaging headline
• 2–3 paragraph intro
• Main body with subheadings
• Practical conclusions
• Summary section

Format 2: Q&A Style Article

• Headline showing Q&A
• Author bio (1–2 paragraphs)
• Topic context (1–2 paragraphs)
• 6–10 questions as subheadings (H3), with 150–400 word answers each
• Summary of key tips

Q&A Format Requirements

• Real questions from audience
• U.S.-specific, actionable answers
• Expertise and real-life examples encouraged

Format 3: Expert Interview

• Clear title & topic
• Expert bio (2–3 paragraphs)
• Interview context (1–2 paragraphs)
• 8–12 structured questions, 200–500 word answers
• Conclusion with recommendations

Interview Process

• Application → Question prep → Interview → Editing → Approval → Publication

Interview Benefits

• Minimal expert time
• Personal profile & recognition
• SEO and conversational style

Visual Content Requirements

• Authors provide all visuals
• Must be legal and high quality (min. 1200px, JPG/PNG/WebP)
• Every image must have a caption

Link Policy

• Allowed: Internal TSM links, authoritative sources
• Prohibited: Direct links to author’s site, commercial/promotional links

Author links are allowed only in their profile page.

Editorial Process

1. Author Application: Form submission, qualification check
2. Coordination: Topic, format, deadlines
3. Material Submission: Article or interview
4. Editorial Processing: Compliance, editing, SEO
5. Author Approval: Review and finalize
6. Publication: Site upload, author page, promotion

Editorial Rights

• Style edits without approval
• Substantive changes with approval
• Final publication decision
• SEO/AEO optimization

Benefits of Publishing

Professional:

• Showcase expertise
• Personal author page

Marketing:

• High visibility via SEO & promotion
• Email newsletter & social sharing

Legal:

• Copyright remains with the author
• Can republish after 30 days with backlink

Copyright & Ethical Standards

Copyright:

• Author retains copyright
• Non-exclusive license granted to TSM
• Backlink required for republishing

Ethics:

• Disclose sponsorships/affiliations
• No plagiarism, misinformation, discrimination, copyright violations

Cost of Publishing

Publishing expert articles is free of charge.

Submission Process

• Fill out the form
• Describe expertise & topic
• Discuss with editor
• Prepare article or give interview
• Approve final version
• Article is published & promoted

The Stone Magazine strives to be the leading platform for U.S. stone professionals. Join our community — share your knowledge, enhance your reputation, and support industry growth!

This policy may be updated. The latest version is available on our website.