If you subscribe to the Sum Comfort newsletter, you might have picked up that I’m going to be a dad soon. I understand this will be pretty all-consuming for at least the next few months - which means I’m more than usually open to guest posts.

Here are some guidelines you might want to follow, if you’d like me to consider something of yours for publication:

1. Pitch something appropriate and original

This blog is mainly about A-level maths. A bit of adult numeracy. A bit of GCSE. A bit of history, a bit of news, a bit of wild speculation, and a few recurring characters.

That’s a pretty wide range of stuff, right there, and I’m happy to look at articles covering any or all of them. But please don’t send me the same infographic you’ve sent every blog in the universe, especially if it’s about furniture. Nobody likes furniture infographics.

2. Maybe say hello on twitter first

I’m [twit handle=’icecolbeveridge’]. I don’t bite. If you’re not sure whether something is likely to work for the blog, just ask! It also helps me spot you, if your message winds up in the spam folder by mistake.

3. Give it some spit and polish

If you send me a nice, edited, ready-to-copy-and-paste-into-wordpress article, I will love you forever. The less work I have to do, the better.

4. Be brave

Especially if you’re a student, a learner, or a non-mathematician: I’d love to hear from you. As long as you’re writing something maths-positive, I’ll be happy to read it and consider running it.

5. Please include a bio

There’s a little box at the bottom of each article that says a bit about who wrote it. Naturally, you can link to your site and brag about your accomplishments there!

6. Don’t be a spammy-pants

Honestly, I can smell spam a mile off. I want to share the original thoughts of intelligent, maths-positive people. Help me out ((My name is not webmaster, or Flying Colours Maths, or (heaven forfend) Sir. It’s not difficult to find - it’s right there in my email address. Even if you’re pitching a similar article to many different blogs, do me the courtesy of taking a couple of minutes to personalise your message. That increases the chances of me taking a couple of minutes to read it.))!

Want some ideas on what to write?

  • Pick your favourite mathematician (preferably one who’s not already in the Ninja pantheon) and write a Life of the Mathematical Ninja piece.
  • Spotted a nice puzzle at MathsJam or in the classroom? Analyse it
  • Done something fun with maths in real life? Share your story here!
  • Seen an unusual method for solving a problem? Explain why it works!
  • Read a post you’d like to contradict or expand on? Go ahead!

I’m not all that fussy, as long as it’s on-topic and suitable ((Language: justified mild swears are generally ok. A bit of implicit violence if you’re the Mathematical Ninja)) . Bring it on - I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with.