MC-Guide
Content Writing
Website 136: datacenterknowledge.com
How Can You Earn Money Writing For “datacenterknowledge.com” Website
This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to datacenterknowledge.com
You will learn what datacenterknowledge.com wants, how to test your idea, how to write a pitch, and how payment roughly works. You can use this like a small SOP.
Guide: How to Write & Submit to Data Center Knowledge (Beginner → Contributor)
This guide shows you, in simple steps, how you can plan, write, and submit data-center industry articles, analysis or opinion pieces for Data Center Knowledge — even if you are new to publishing.
You will learn what DCK looks for, how to shape an industry-ready idea (power, cooling, build & design, compliance, hyperscale), how to prepare samples, how to contact editors, and practical ways to turn writing into paid work when direct pay isn’t offered.
Section 1 · Understand the publication
What Data Center Knowledge actually publishes
Data Center Knowledge (DCK) is a leading daily news and analysis site covering the data center industry — power & energy, cooling, site selection and construction, hyperscale/cloud, networking, storage, edge computing, and operations. Their content mix includes short news items, long-form deep dives, analysis, and thought leadership columns called Industry Perspectives.
Common content types you can target:
- News & developments — project announcements, land deals, regulatory changes.
- Technical explainers & deep dives — cooling approaches, power design, AI infrastructure.
- Industry Perspectives — expert columns and opinion pieces from practitioners.
- Data-driven analysis — market outlooks, investment trends, site selection analysis.
DCK’s readers are data center professionals: operators, designers, engineers, owners, hyperscale and colocation decision-makers, and policy/regulatory watchers. Readers value accurate facts, operational lessons, and real project details they can apply to design, operations, or business decisions.
| Content type | Typical DCK channel | What to show |
|---|---|---|
| News | News sections (short) | Timely facts, sources, company quotes |
| Deep-dive / analysis | Deep Dives, Features | Data, diagrams, operational lessons |
| Industry Perspective | Thought leadership column | Experienced viewpoint, recommendations, evidence |
Section 2 · Fit your idea
Is your idea shaped for Data Center Knowledge?
Good DCK ideas are specific, evidence-backed, and relevant to professionals solving operational or business problems. Use these three checks:
Does it answer a real operational or business question?
Examples: “How to reduce data center cooling energy by 15% using variable-speed fans,” or “Lessons from a 10 MW white-space conversion.” If it’s only educational theory without application, rethink the angle.
Is the angle specific and timely?
Connect your piece to a current trend (e.g., AI power demand, regional permitting challenges, water-sparing cooling). DCK writes a lot about power, energy, and hyperscale moves—tie your idea to what’s happening now.
Can you prove it with data, a project, or sourced interviews?
Bring telemetry, permit documents, interview quotes, case study numbers, diagrams, or test comparisons. Readers (and editors) expect verifiable inputs.
Section 3 · Prepare before pitching
Build credibility: samples, data, and a tiny demo/case
Because DCK’s editorial team prioritizes accuracy and evidence, prepare a compact package before you contact them:
- Write 1–2 technical posts on your own blog, LinkedIn article, or a niche site like Dev.to or Medium where the piece can live permanently.
- Include diagrams, photos of test rigs or server rooms, links to public permit pages, GitHub repos, telemetry exports, or whitepapers.
- If possible, collect a small dataset or before/after numbers (power use, PUE, airflow improvement).
- Read DCK’s recent deep dives and Industry Perspectives to copy tone, paragraph length, and evidence standards.
- Open 3–5 recent DCK pieces in your topic area and outline how the author presents data, sources, and visual assets.
- Collect links to 2–3 DCK articles you’ll reference in your pitch to show relevance.
| Step | Where to publish sample | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Your blog / LinkedIn / Medium | Proof you can finish and publish detailed technical work |
| Middle | Specialist sites (DCD, InfraX, trade blogs) | Build experience working with editors |
| Higher | Top outlets (DCK, DCD) | Flagship pieces that win credibility |
Section 4 · Practical pitch plan
Step-by-step pitch workflow + email template
Use this compact SOP to turn an idea into a professional pitch.
Read DCK submission pages carefully
Visit the DCK submission and contact pages to confirm the correct email and any recent guidance. Editors prefer clear, sourced pitches that are not marketing copy. (Links in resources.)
Choose one focused idea + audience
Answer: Who exactly benefits? (e.g., site operators in cold climates, hyperscale planners, colo procurement teams).
Prepare an outline + assets
Include: headline, 5–7 section headings, 3–5 key data points or sources, list of images/diagrams, and a link to your writing samples.
Email the editor (concise)
Editors contact via emails listed on DCK: use editors@datacenterknowledge.com or the submission page. Keep the email short and businesslike.
Subject: Pitch: [Short headline] — [One-line hook]
Hello [Editor name or "Data Center Knowledge team"], I’m [name], [title/brief background — e.g., "Data center engineer at X; I run a small test lab; author of Y"]. I’d like to pitch an article for Data Center Knowledge titled: [Proposed headline — short, clear] Short hook (1 sentence): [What problem this solves for DCK readers] Outline (bullet list): • Intro: [1 sentence] • Section 1: [heading + short note on evidence] • Section 2: ... • Result/Takeaway: [what readers will be able to do] Assets: I can provide [telemetry CSVs, before/after numbers, photos, equipment diagrams, short interview quotes with X]. Samples: [link to 1–3 published technical samples or GitHub demo]. I’m happy to adapt length/angle to editorial needs. Thank you for considering this — I’ll be available to provide sources and test data. Best, [Name] [Contact info + LinkedIn/GitHub/website]
Tip: paste the outline into the email body (not an attachment) so the editor can immediately scan it.
Section 5 · Money & alternatives
How writers (practically) earn if DCK doesn’t pay unsolicited pieces
Important: DCK’s public guidance notes that they edit submissions and — as of their guidance — they typically do not pay for unsolicited contributions. That means you should plan alternative or parallel routes to get paid for your writing or consulting work.
- Pitch paid outlets that accept technical contributions (industry trade magazines, sponsored thought-leadership programs).
- Sell a detailed technical report or white paper to vendors/clients using your DCK byline (once you have one).
- Create a consulting offering: use published pieces as portfolio and sell assessments, PUE audits, or design reviews.
- Run paid training, webinars, or write paid guides for businesses.
- A DCK byline (even unpaid) can convert into high-value consulting or contractor work.
- Use publication traction and newsletter pickups to attract client leads or speaking invitations.
- Repurpose DCK-derived research into reports, workshops, and paid downloads.
| Route | How it pays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade magazine (paid) | Flat fee per article or per word | Higher immediate cash; usually stricter editorial process |
| Consulting / workshops | Hourly / project rate | Use published work as social proof |
| Sponsored content / white papers | Paid by vendor (disclose sponsorship) | Careful with editorial independence and disclosure |
Section 6 · Ethics & verification
Honesty, data sourcing, and testable examples
DCK’s readers rely on correct technical guidance. Never publish numbers you can’t back up. Cite permits, measurement logs, vendor test reports, or interview notes. If you use AI tools to draft prose, run, verify, and rewrite everything yourself — editors expect accuracy.
- Unverified performance claims or “made-up” test results.
- Sales pitches that read like product marketing.
- Copied content without permission and attribution.
- Provide raw data or a clear method for how numbers were obtained.
- Use quotes and permissions when referencing private projects or customers.
- Label sponsored content clearly and follow editorial disclosure rules.
Section 7 · Micro-SOP (Final checklist)
Checklist before you hit send
Use this checklist each time you pitch:
Section 8 · Quick answers & resources
FAQ for beginners + useful links
- Data Center Knowledge — homepage
- We Welcome Your Submissions — Industry Perspectives / submissions
- About Data Center Knowledge (editorial standards)
- Submit Your News / contact info
- Example: New Data Center Developments (Feb 2026)
- Example: 2026 Predictions — power & AI
- Industry Perspectives channel
- DatacenterDynamics — alternative industry publication
- Dev.to — publish samples
- GitHub — host demo code