Get Featured on vaeyc — Earned Editorial Coverage

Quick answer: Getting featured on vaeyc means earning independent editorial coverage — a mention, interview or inclusion in our reporting — based on genuine newsworthiness, not payment. Earned coverage cannot be bought; if you want a guaranteed, paid placement instead, the honest alternative is sponsored content. Here’s how earned coverage works and how to give your story the best chance.

Key takeaways

• Earned, not paid: editorial features are decided on merit by our team.
• What helps: genuine news, data, expertise or a strong human story.
• No guarantees: we can’t promise coverage in exchange for anything.
• Paid alternative: for a guaranteed slot, use sponsored content.
• How to pitch: a clear, specific, timely story via our press desk.

What “getting featured” means here

A feature is when our editors choose to cover you — quoting your expertise, interviewing your team, including your product in a round-up, or reporting your news. It carries weight precisely because it is independent: readers trust it because we weren’t paid to say it. That independence is the reason we can’t sell it, and the reason a genuine feature is worth more than an advertisement.

Earned coverage vs paid placement

• Earned coverage is free, independent and never guaranteed — it depends on newsworthiness.
• Sponsored content is paid, labelled and guaranteed to publish, but marked as sponsored.
• Press releases put your announcement in front of readers as a labelled company statement.
• Both routes are legitimate; the difference is disclosure and editorial control.

What earns editorial attention

Editors respond to stories that matter to our readers. That usually means real news — a launch, a finding, a milestone — or genuine expertise and a fresh angle on early-years learning or EdTech. Original data your team has gathered, an honest account of solving a hard problem, or a timely response to a sector debate all stand out. Generic announcements without news rarely do.

How to give your story the best chance

• Lead with what’s genuinely new or useful, not with your brand.
• Be specific: names, numbers you can support, and dates.
• Offer something we can’t get elsewhere — data, access or expertise.
• Respect our readers: no hype, no unverifiable claims.
• Make it easy to verify with a contact and supporting links.

How to pitch for a feature

1. Write a short, specific pitch that states the story and why it matters now.
2. Send it via the contact page or partners@vaeyc.org.
3. If it fits our coverage, an editor will follow up for detail or an interview.
4. If it’s not a fit, consider sponsored content or a press release.

What we can’t do

We can’t guarantee a feature, promise a positive angle, or accept payment for editorial coverage — doing any of those would break the trust that makes coverage valuable. We also don’t sell undisclosed or disguised paid links or coverage dressed up as reporting. If you need certainty, the honest route is a clearly labelled paid placement.

Why independence matters

Readers come to vaeyc because our coverage isn’t for sale. Protecting that is in everyone’s interest, including yours: a feature only helps your credibility if readers believe it was earned. By keeping editorial and commercial strictly separate, we make sure that when you are featured, it means something.

About vaeyc

vaeyc is an independent early-childhood education, professional learning and EdTech publication produced by a named editorial team working to published standards. You can learn who we are on our about us page and reach the partnerships desk through our contact page or at partners@vaeyc.org. Every commercial placement on vaeyc is labelled, and our independent editorial coverage is never for sale.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pay to be featured on vaeyc?

No. Editorial features are earned, not paid. For a guaranteed, labelled placement, use sponsored content instead.

How do I pitch a story?

Send a short, specific pitch via the contact page, leading with what’s new and why it matters now.

What kinds of stories get covered?

Genuine news, original data, real expertise and strong human stories relevant to early-years education and EdTech.

Will you guarantee a positive angle?

No. Independent coverage means we report honestly. We can’t promise tone or outcome.

What’s the difference between a feature and a press release?

A feature is our own editorial choice; a press release is your labelled announcement published as company-supplied.

How long until I hear back?

We review pitches promptly during working days, but can’t respond to every one. A strong, timely story helps.

Do you accept product samples or demos?

We may, for legitimate review purposes, but accepting one never obligates coverage or a positive verdict.

Can I pay to get featured on vaeyc?

Independent editorial features are earned on merit, not paid. For guaranteed, scheduled placement choose clearly disclosed sponsored content.