Author & Editorial Guidelines

The official standards for contributing, formatting, and publishing verified knowledge on Aevum Encyclopedia.

v2.4.1 Updated Dec 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Aevum Encyclopedia. Our mission is to curate a living, globally accessible, and rigorously verified knowledge base. Every article published on Aevum represents a collaborative effort between subject-matter experts, academic reviewers, and our AI-assisted verification pipeline.

These guidelines ensure consistency, accuracy, and neutrality across all contributions. Familiarize yourself with these standards before submitting drafts or edits.

💡 Quick Note

All new articles undergo a two-stage review: initial AI consistency scan followed by human editorial approval. Rushed submissions without proper sourcing will be returned for revision.

2. Eligibility & Accounts

Contributing to Aevum requires a verified creator account. While we welcome passionate learners, priority is given to contributors with:

  • Academic credentials in the subject area
  • Published research or professional experience
  • A history of high-quality contributions on open knowledge platforms

Accounts must pass email verification and a brief subject-matter alignment quiz. Conflict-of-interest disclosures are mandatory for industry-affiliated contributors.

3. Core Content Standards

Every article must adhere to the NEVAT framework:

  • Neutrality: Present multiple perspectives fairly. Avoid advocacy, loaded language, or editorializing.
  • Evidence-based: Claims must be supported by reliable, verifiable sources. Opinion and speculation require clear labeling.
  • Verifiability: Readers must be able to trace every factual assertion back to a primary or authoritative secondary source.
  • Accessibility: Write for a broad audience. Define jargon, avoid unnecessary complexity, and use inclusive language.
  • Timeliness: Content must reflect current consensus. Flag rapidly evolving topics with update timestamps and version notes.

4. Writing & Formatting

Structure

Articles should follow a predictable, scannable hierarchy:

  1. Lead Paragraph: Concise summary defining the topic, scope, and significance (max 150 words).
  2. Context & Background: Historical or theoretical foundations.
  3. Key Concepts/Methodology: Technical or analytical breakdown.
  4. Applications & Impact: Real-world relevance, controversies, or ongoing research.
  5. See Also / Further Reading: Curated internal links and external resources.

Typography & Tone

Use <h2> for major sections, <h3> for subsections. Avoid nested lists deeper than two levels. Maintain an academic yet approachable tone. Active voice is preferred where clarity improves.

🚫 Avoid

First-person narration, promotional language, unsourced superlatives (e.g., "groundbreaking," "unprecedented"), and conversational filler.

5. Citations & References

Aevum uses a modified Chicago-style citation system with embedded digital object identifiers where available.

[1] Author, A. & Author, B. (Year). "Title of Work." Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pp. xx–xx. DOI: 10.xxxx/xxxxx [2] Organization. (Year, Month Day). "Page Title." Website Name. URL: https://... (Archived: YYYY-MM-DD)
  • Primary sources (peer-reviewed journals, official datasets, historical archives) are preferred.
  • Secondary sources must be from recognized publishers, academic institutions, or reputable news organizations.
  • Always include archival snapshots for web sources to prevent link rot.
  • AI-generated content, preprints, and unverified blogs are not acceptable as standalone references.

6. Media & Multimedia

Visuals enhance comprehension but must meet licensing and quality standards:

  • Images: Minimum 1200px width, lossless formats preferred (PNG/WebP). Must include descriptive alt text.
  • Diagrams/Charts: Vector SVGs recommended. Data sources must be cited inline.
  • Licensing: Only use Creative Commons (CC BY, CC BY-SA), Public Domain, or media uploaded with explicit author permission.
  • Video/Audio: Hosted on Aevum's secure media CDN. Captions/transcripts required for accessibility compliance.

7. Review Process

Submissions follow a transparent, time-bound workflow:

  1. AI Pre-Scan: Checks for citation format, plagiarism, tone consistency, and structural compliance (automated, ~2 min).
  2. Peer Review: Assigned to 2-3 domain reviewers. Focuses on accuracy, depth, and neutrality (5–10 days).
  3. Editorial Finalization: Senior editor verifies sourcing, resolves conflicts, and approves publication.

Authors receive detailed revision notes. Major rejections include actionable feedback. Revisions must be submitted within 14 days to keep the draft active.

8. Ethics & Compliance

Integrity is non-negotiable. The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or undisclosed AI-assisted writing
  • Conflicts of interest (financial, institutional, or ideological) without full disclosure
  • Defamatory content or unverified claims about living persons
  • Original research not yet published in recognized venues

Violations result in content retraction, account suspension, or permanent ban depending on severity. Whistleblower channels are available for ethical concerns.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AI to draft articles?+
Yes, but only as a drafting assistant. All AI-generated text must be fact-checked, rewritten where necessary, and fully cited. You must disclose AI usage in the submission metadata. Uncited or unverified AI output will be rejected.
How long does peer review take?+
Typically 5–10 business days for standard articles. Complex or high-traffic topics may require up to 14 days. You'll receive status updates via email and dashboard notifications.
What if I disagree with reviewer feedback?+
You may submit a point-by-point rebuttal with supporting evidence. If unresolved, the article enters editorial arbitration. Aevum's stance is always evidence-driven, not consensus-driven.
Do contributors receive compensation?+
Aevum is a non-profit knowledge initiative. Contributors earn recognition, verified badges, and priority access to premium datasets. High-impact authors may be invited to paid editorial fellowships.

Questions? Need editorial support?

Contact Editorial Team