columnist

29

Mosaic publications: how to choose the right one

Mosaic includes 61 publications in 11 languages across 14 countries. Learn how to choose by language, topic, country and audience, and why one text goes to one publication.

5 min 882 words

Mosaic is a network of 61 independent publications in 11 languages across 14 countries. They differ by more than name: the network includes general news, business, popular-science, sports, lifestyle, regional and national publications. In Columnist, you choose a publication separately for every column.

Start with the language

One author can write in several languages. When you create a new column, you choose its language separately; the profile language is only preselected by default. The service then shows the publications available in that language.

The basic rule is simple: the text itself must be written in the language of the chosen publication. A Russian-language column cannot be sent to an English-language publication merely because the topic would fit.

Then define the reader

A piece about starting a home vegetable garden belongs more naturally in a lifestyle publication than in a political business outlet. An analysis of a local transport decision may benefit from a regional newspaper. Research explained in plain language fits a popular-science publication.

Do not search for the “largest” publication in the abstract. Look for the one where this particular text would feel natural beside the surrounding stories.

Active directions by language

The table below is a master overview of the current network. The list may change over time, so it should be checked against the system before publication.

LanguageExamples of active publications and profiles
UkrainianSTX, Архів, Буряк, Віндор, Дієва газета, Контрактова, Медіа 5, Українська Німеччина and other general, business and specialist outlets
EnglishBoldest Voice, Core Memo, Cronkite, Dominica 1, Hochland, Hublcore, Nobel, Science Official, The Bizzi Route, Toobloid
GermanGrenzah, Güldendorf, Junkr, Waldshut Zeitung
FrenchCortex, Nacrée, Reel Pink, Udata
SpanishClaroscuro, Comm Party, Evolut
ItalianAscensio, Filo Civico, Stile Aperto
RussianПладром, Версия
PolishJej Tempo, Rytm Kraju
RomanianPrisma Zilei, Ritmul Jocului
DutchDagkompas, Kernblik, Leefblik, Rijblik
SwedishHemton, Riksblick

The BXODA satirical network also exists in Mosaic languages, but its format is fictional and parodic. It is not suitable for a normal author column without a specific editorial decision.

How to choose by topic

General news publications fit public affairs, culture, technology, everyday problems and broad expert explanation.

Business publications fit management, economics, markets, companies and professional processes.

Lifestyle publications fit home, relationships, food, general health information, travel, style and everyday practice.

Popular-science publications fit research that needs to be explained to a non-specialist audience. Science Official is not a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Sports publications fit analysis of competitions, clubs and sports culture.

Regional publications fit stories in which place is part of the meaning, for example Waldshut Zeitung for Southern Baden.

Why one text goes to only one publication

Mosaic does not duplicate the same column across several sites. A repeat is detected before saving. This protects the publications from internal duplication and requires the author to choose the outlet that best fits the piece.

If two publications seem equally suitable, choose the one whose section is more precise and whose readers are closer to the topic. You can write a different piece for the second outlet, addressing a neighbouring question, rather than copying the first.

Selection checklist

  • the language of the text matches the publication;
  • the topic matches its editorial profile;
  • country or region matters to the material when the outlet is local;
  • its section describes the topic more precisely than the alternative;
  • the text is not a repeat of an earlier publication;
  • the piece is not trying to use the outlet's reputation as a vehicle for advertising.

Columnist is available at columnist.mib.news.

If two publications in the same language fit

Compare editorial context rather than names. The same column about household energy may fit a business publication when it focuses on costs and regulation, or a general-news publication when it focuses on everyday consequences for families. Choose the outlet whose section and audience match more closely.

Do not try to “increase reach” by posting a second copy. The system is built around one publication for one text. If you want to address another audience after the first column, write a new article: change the question, examples and conclusion. It will then be an independent piece rather than a duplicate.

SignalBest choice
narrow professional topica publication with the relevant specialism
broad public debatea general-news publication
a specific region is centrala regional publication
two options fitchoose the one with the more precise section

FAQ

Can I publish one column in two publications at once?

No. One text is published in one publication only. A duplicate is blocked by the system.

Can I write for several publications?

Yes. The restriction applies to a particular text, not to the author. Your next independent column may appear in another suitable publication in your language.

Why do I not see all 61 publications at once?

Language is applied first. Authors see the publications available for the selected language, not the whole network as one undifferentiated list.

How do I choose between two similar publications?

Compare the description, country, audience and section. Choose the one where your topic feels most natural, and prepare a separate piece for the second.

Reading is half of it. The other half is a column with your name on it, in a real publication.

Start writing

All guides in the handbook