We are always looking for contributions to Perspectives! If you are interested in writing an article or sharing an idea for one, please complete the Perspectives submission form. We recommend reviewing the article submission form prior to writing to ensure all materials are gathered.

While Perspectives authors are largely genetic counselors and genetic counseling trainees, we welcome authors from any professional background to submit articles on topics relevant to genetic counseling.

The editorial team evaluates each article based on:

1. Relevance to the genetic counseling profession,
2. Strength and clarity of argument and
3. Technical appropriateness and accuracy.

Perspectives editors or committee members may ask for submissions on specific topics.

NSGC Perspectives is aligned with the NSGC DEIB policy and will not publish articles in violation of this policy. Furthermore, the editorial team will prioritize articles that directly address DEIB issues in health care and genetic counseling as part of an ongoing effort to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in these areas.

There is no one right way to write an Op-Ed. The goal is to be concise, persuasive and evidence-based. We invite you to review the following resources from the Op-Ed project, the New York Times and the Harvard Kennedy School.

• Word Count: Recommended word count is 600-900 words, but outliers will be considered.
• Style: Please note that articles will be edited for subject matter expertise, grammar, flow and style, with the author given a chance to review edits. Note that Perspectives follows AP style (e.g., no Oxford comma), except in certain instances unique to our guide (e.g., italicizing genes). Articles will be edited accordingly to ensure consistency across our content hub.
• Citations: Authors can include in-text links to non-peer-reviewed, web-based content. These can be specified by placing the hyperlink in parentheses. For example, 'ClinVar' will be published as ClinVar. Peer-reviewed references should be in APA format.
• Inclusive Language: Follow the APA Style Inclusive Language Guide in your terminology.
• Generative AI: Artificial intelligence is not prohibited, but by submitting, authors confirm they have reviewed all content for accuracy and edited it for their own tone and style. Authors must note how they used AI within the body of the article or in a separate statement, e.g., at the end.

• Writing in a fashion suitable for an academic journal instead of in op-ed style (consider submitting instead to Journal of Genetic Counseling).
• Not keeping the audience in mind (e.g., writing at a level overly technical or overly basic for a genetic counselor audience). Consider that genetic counseling students as well as seasoned professionals will be reading your article.
• Not distinguishing between basis in lived experience and basis in evidence. Although sharing anecdotes to tell a story is encouraged, they should not be the sole basis for an argument.

• Multiple students interested in similar topics are encouraged to collaborate on a final submission.
• Students are encouraged to reach out first to the Perspectives editors to discuss ideas (email jmcpherron@nsgc.org).
• Keep in mind that our timeline to publication is usually 2-3 months. Professors assigning submission should consider how this impacts their course outline.
• Faculty mentors are welcome to edit a student's article prior to submission. Read our "who should be considered an author" question to determine when a reviewer should be listed as an author. An author is always welcome to add an "acknowledgements" section.
• Academically oriented assignments are welcome as starting points, but may need to be edited with the Perspectives audience in mind if especially academic in nature.
• Here is an example of a successful student-written article: Bridging Gaps: A Genetic Counseling Student’s Experiences Working in Rural Communities
  • This article is well written with a strong central argument. It thoughtfully approaches a unique topic through the author's experience, while including sources when beneficial.

To be listed as an author, contributors should:

• Play a key role in developing the idea, gathering information, or analyzing content; AND
• Write or revise the manuscript in a meaningful way; AND
• Approve the final version before submission; AND
• Take responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the work.

Anyone who helped with the article but does not meet the criteria for authorship should be recognized in an "acknowledgments" section. Financial and material support can also be noted. 

If an author has a conflict of interest as defined by NSGC, this affiliation must be in their author bio. (For example: Author is an employee and equity holder of company. Author has received speaking honoraria from company. Author is on the advisory board of company.)

If you are submitting this piece on behalf of an organization, the organization’s title can be submitted under "Author Name" and a description of the organization can be submitted under "professional bio."

By submitting to Perspectives, all authors confirm their agreement with the guidelines outlined on this page.

Perspectives editors and committee members will provide authors with a decision on their article as well as feedback on an article via email. Authors will always have an opportunity to review the final version of their article before publishing.

NSGC does allow for-profit and nonprofit companies to author sponsored articles for publication. All requests for sponsored content should go through NSGC Sales Director, Amanda Trainor Patrick and will require a statement or acknowledgement that the article is sponsored.