How to contribute to Simple Talk

At Redgate, we’re always keen on publishing new and interesting views and ideas. We try to keep coming up with fresh ways of presenting information, so if you have something original to say, we’d like to hear from you.

For more information on what Simple-Talk is all about, visit the About Simple Talk page.

The most important trait we look for in a contributor is technical knowledge of their topic of choice. Prior content creation experience is preferred but not required. Important note: we expect all content to be created by the contributor, not AI-generated or copied from others. 

Quality is just one part of how we choose content. We also look for passion, experience and most importantly, expertise and authority.

What topics are we currently seeking content for?

We’re currently looking for content on a broad variety of topics:

  • Databases (primarily SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL and Oracle)
  • AI and machine learning, specifically within databases and development
  • Data and database security and compliance
  • Data quality and analytics
  • Migrations (on-prem and cloud): challenges, guidance, tutorials
  • Thoughts/editorials on the current (2026) state of the database & technology industry
  • Career stories, advice and guidance

…and what type of content should I create?

We’re always on the lookout for how-to guides/advice articles/tutorials, but also highly value opinion-based and real-life experience content as well. Want to explain why Python is your preferred programming language (or why you should avoid it?) Had an experience in the database community you want to share? Or do you simply want to explain why AI is the best thing since sliced bread? We’d love to hear from you!

We’re also looking for more than just written content! While this makes up the majority of our site’s output right now, we’re also open to submissions for those who create videos, podcasts and more. And, bonus points for those who can write and include their own created video in the content as well.

The Simple Talk content review process

All content goes through our rigorous review process, which includes the following: 

  • A thorough technical review and edit 

  • For written content: a copy edit (ensuring correct use of the English language, grammar, sentence structure etc) 

  • Sometimes, we may ask an author to make revisions before their work is published 

  • Peer reviews, occasionally enlisting the help of technical reviewers and Redgate staff 

The time between submission of a first draft and publication of the content can vary between two weeks and a few months, depending on the extent of revisions required and the amount of content we currently have in the pipeline. 

Once a piece of content is ready, we do everything we can to promote the creator’s output! 

  • Once published, the content will initially feature on the Simple Talk homepage 

  • Content is included in our regular newsletter with 30,000 subscribers 

  • We include links to personal sites and social media channels in each contributor’s personal bio page

Express your interest in contributing to Simple Talk

If you’re happy with the above and want to write for Simple Talk, please reach out to editor@simple-talk.com with the following information:

  • Specific subject area(s) you are interested in creating content for. Describe the kind of content you’re hoping to write! 

  • Links to any previous content, whether published or not! We’d love to see examples of your work.

  • Any links you can provide to help us see your experience level. Sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Stack Overflow, SQL Server Central, etc. would be great to help get a feel for your current reach. 

Please note: due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot respond to everyone!

Please also note: we expect the content to be original, created by the contributor – not AI-generated or copied from others!

Once you’re a Simple Talk contributor…

  • You’ll have the freedom to create as much or as little content as you want, as and when you want. We appreciate our contributors’ time so are happy to allow flexibility. We’ll only set a deadline in some circumstances, and this will be discussed in advance.

  • New pitches/ideas are to be sent to editor@simple-talk.com before creation, for review and approval. If approved, we’ll agree the payment amount at the same time. We only pay for content created after this process has taken place.

  • For written content, we do not have a set style guide. We want you to write in your own style, and we’ll make any edits afterwards if necessary.

  • Written content can be submitted via Microsoft Word (preferably) or Google Docs. Any other format must be agreed upon in advance.

  • We will sometimes reach out to a contributor individually (or multiple at once) with a request for content. You do not have to accept these – it won’t reflect poorly on you, or affect future contribution opportunities.