How to send information to the features section

As features editor/writer for The Herald-News, I love sharing local events, great news and inspiring stories with readers.

From time to time, I receive questions from readers on how to submit information or how long it takes for an event or news release to be published.

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Email is best

The best way to submit information is by email. Include the information in the body of the email and/or attached as a Word document.

Use the correct email

Occasionally a reader will reach out by phone, frustrated that no one is responding to emails. Often, the person is using an email address that’s no longer in use.

The correct email for submitting information is news@theherald-news.com.

The 5 Ws

What: Provide the name of the event with a brief description.

When: Add the time and date.

Where: Include the name of the venue and its address.

Why: This is especially important if an event is a fundraiser.

Who: Include publishable contact information and/or a website.

Watch capital letters

We can’t run emails and releases written entirely in capital letters.

Photos and flyers

Please send high-resolution photos as JPEG attachments. Unless the photo depicts a large group of people, please identify any people in the photo by first and last name.

We can’t run flyers in print, but they might run online.

When will information run?

Calendar listings will run the day of the event. Not all events run in print. First priority is given to non-repeating events. All events will run online.

Events with an advance RSVP will run before the RSVP date.

All other information will run as soon as space allows.

Occasionally, especially if the photo’s resolution is too low for print, an item will run online only.

Where else do events run?

Certain events run in Will County Go Guide. This is a free weekly newsletter featuring certain weekend events or a close look at one event.

Readers with a Facebook account may also post events on Joliet Connect, which is The Herald-News group page.

Do all Herald-News subscribers receive the Will County Go Guide?

No. The Will County Go Guide is emailed only to people who have specifically signed up for this free newsletter. To sign up, visit theherald-news.com/newsletter. At this time, it’s not possible to receive back issues of the guide.

Do you take suggestions for the Will County Go Guide?

Absolutely! Contact me at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com.

What about story ideas?

I love story ideas, and many of my best feature stories came from readers who suggested them to me. I respond to all phone messages and emails, so if you don’t hear from me, reach out again.

Will you review my book?

The Herald-News doesn’t run book reviews in its publications, but we do run them in our LocalLit newsletter. This is a free weekly newsletter that features either a short story by a local author or a review of a book by a local author.

The LocalLit newsletter is emailed only to people who have specifically signed up for this free newsletter. To subscribe, visit theherald-news.com/newsletter. It’s not possible to receive back issues at this time.

How do I submit a story or a book?

Contact me at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com.