# Publishing Rights Analysis: Economist Submission vs. Blog Publication
## Research Findings & Strategic Recommendation

**Date:** 2025-10-20
**Issue:** Can we publish Economist article content on our blog without compromising the submission?
**Status:** Research Complete - Recommendation Provided

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## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

**Bottom Line:** Publishing the article on our blog BEFORE submitting to The Economist would likely disqualify it from consideration, as most major publications expect first publication rights.

**Recommended Strategy:**
1. Submit to The Economist FIRST (without blog publication)
2. Wait 4 weeks for response
3. If declined or no response: Publish full version on blog
4. Alternative: Create substantially different blog piece NOW (different angle/focus)

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## RESEARCH FINDINGS

### Industry Standard: First Publication Rights

**What Publishers Expect:**
- Most commercial magazines expect to acquire "first serial rights"
- This means they have "the right to be the first place to publish the article/story/poem"
- Publishing on a personal blog or website is considered "prior publication"

**Direct Evidence from 2024 Publishing Guidelines:**

Multiple literary magazines explicitly state:
> "We do not accept previously published material—including material published online."

> "Do not publish previously published works, **including any piece that has appeared on the web or in print, including your personal blog.**"

> "We do not accept previously published works, **including previously published works on Substack, Tumblr, or other blog platforms.**"

**Key Insight:** The publishing industry treats blog posts, Substack articles, and personal website content as "previously published" and therefore ineligible for first publication rights.

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##RECOMMENDATION

**Primary Recommendation: Submit to Economist FIRST, Blog Later**

**Rationale:**
1. The Economist reaches decision-makers (business leaders, policymakers)
2. Blog publication reaches smaller audience (researchers, implementers)
3. First publication rights are industry standard - blog first likely disqualifies submission
4. 4-week wait is acceptable for potential Economist placement
5. If declined, blog publication still available

**Timeline:**
- Week 0 (Now): Submit to Economist
- Week 4: Follow-up if no response
- Week 5+: If declined/no response, publish on blog

**Alternative (if blog content urgent):**
- Create substantially different blog piece (40%+ unique content)
- Technical implementation focus vs. values/policy focus
- Submit original to Economist unchanged

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## STRATEGIC OPTIONS ANALYZED

### Option A: Submit First, Blog Later (RECOMMENDED)
- ✅ Preserves first publication rights
- ✅ Maximizes Economist acceptance chance
- ❌ Blog delayed 4+ weeks

### Option B: Publish Different Version on Blog NOW
- ✅ Blog content immediate
- ✅ Different audience targeting
- ❌ Requires creating new content
- ❌ Must ensure 40%+ differentiation

### Option C: Publish Excerpt/Teaser
- ✅ Maintains blog activity
- ✅ Doesn't violate first pub rights
- ❌ Limited value to readers

### Option D: Ignore First Pub Rights (NOT RECOMMENDED)
- ❌ Likely automatic disqualification
- ❌ Damages credibility
- ❌ Unprofessional

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## NEXT ACTIONS

**If Pursuing Primary Recommendation:**

1. Submit to henry.tricks@economist.com THIS WEEK
2. Do NOT publish on blog yet
3. Set calendar reminder for Week 4 follow-up
4. Draft blog version (but don't publish)
5. Wait for Economist response

**After 4 Weeks:**
- If accepted: Respond to editor, complete fact-checking
- If declined: Thank editor, publish on blog immediately
- If no response: One follow-up, then proceed to blog after Week 5

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**Status:** Analysis Complete
**Recommendation:** Option A (Submit First, Blog Later)
**Next Decision:** User approval to proceed
