Opportunities 01/19/2023

Healthline, The New Republic, Insider, and more.

The Study Hall Opportunities newsletter is a weekly compilation of pitch calls; freelance, part-time, and temporary gigs; events; fellowships, scholarships, awards, and grants; internships; and full-time jobs. It’s written by Chris Erik Thomas, who turned 31 and immediately turned into a pile of dust. The newsletter is released on Thursdays. Once in a while, we take a day off for mental health breaks and holidays.

►To help make the Opps better for all of our members, we introduced an Opps Feedback Form. Let us know what we can do to improve the newsletter.

►Editors, submit your time-sensitive or evergreen pitch calls to our Pitch Webform.

►Work at a publication that’s hiring or found a job we should see? Send it to our Jobs Webform.

►Need more info on Study Hall or want to check out our resources? Head to our Linktree.

►Have any other freelance gig, grant, internship, fellowship, or other opp you want to be included in the next Opps newsletter? Send them to [email protected] for approval with “Opportunity:” in the subject line. 

►Let us know if you got a job or landed a pitch through the Opps newsletter! Send them to [email protected] with “Opps Success Story:” in the subject line.

►Tell us what resources have helped you in your freelancing so we can share them with other Study Hall members. Send them to [email protected] with “Resource:” in the subject line.

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THE MEDIA CLASSIFIED ADS

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►Make space for your ideas with SVA’s MA program in Design Research, Writing & Criticism. The nine-month, intensive course runs from Sept through May and is aimed at established or emerging writers who want to look at the world through the lens of design. Send inquiries to [email protected] and apply now for 2023-24 scholarship funding!

►Public Books — the online mag of ideas, arts, and scholarship — is hiring a managing editor! The position is FT and residence in New York state is required (but remote work is acceptable).  The salary range is $75,500-$77,500, and the salary and benefits are through Columbia University. Apply today!

>> The Classified Ads are back and better than ever. We’ve expanded our Ad model to include placement in our two weekly newsletters: Thursday’s Opportunities and our Digest newsletters. We also offer add-on placement for Slack and Listserv posts. Want to promote your job opening / pitch call / new project / ecommerce brand? Click through for rates, testimonials, and to get in touch. <<

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RESOURCES

Mastering the art of freelancing requires more than just perusing the Study Hall Opps newsletter every week. To help you get the most bang for your buck, we keep track of many resources designed to help media workers. Have a resource you’d like to see included? Send it to [email protected] with “Resource:” in the subject line. 

NEW: -The Fund for Investigative Journalism provides emergency grants of up to $10,000 for stories on threats to democracy in the US. The fund reviews proposals on a rolling basis and ends on January 1, 2024.

-The Reporting Job Board by Investigative Reporters and Editors is a continually updated website for jobs in reporting, editing, academia, and more. 

-“Knowing the News“ is a new study by the American Press Institute about how Gen Z and Millennials get information on essential topics. The study focuses on six topics: national politics and government; social issues; crime and public safety; traffic, transportation, and weather; COVID-19 information; and health or mental health.

–Accessible Social is a free resource hub that helps make your social media content more accessible to people with temporary or permanent disabilities, including vision and hearing impairments. 

Want more resources? Check out Resources For Journalists Seeking Therapy; Trans Journalists Association’s Style Guide; NBCC Book Coverage Publication List; Who’s Behind This Website Checklist; SpotlightDC Investigative Journalism Fund; United States Journalism Emergency Fund; Transcription Tool Safety Guide; Labor Action Tracker; Rate Sharing Database; NPR Diverse Sources Database; Online Violence Response Hub; Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Journalists Therapy Relief Fund; Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund; Developing An Investigative Pitch Guide; Britany Robinson’s Big List of Writing Deadlines; Study Hall Transcriber Database; Study Hall Fact Checkers Database; Freelancing Guide/Editorial Contacts spreadsheet; #FreelancerPayGap spreadsheet; Pitch Guide Database; Chelsea’s Guide to Freelancing doc; PACER; Priya Krishna’s resources for food writing; Election SOS Report; and the Extremism Coverage Prep Guide.

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CALLS FOR PITCHES

Please note that we are not endorsing every publication or company listed here. Engaging with a publication or company is entirely up to the reader. Regarding pitch calls, we try to only share opportunities with fair rates based on publicly available information. While we currently define “fair rates” as being above $100 USD for around 700-800 words and above $0.10 per word for longer pieces, we cannot guarantee that every publication pays this rate. If you have more information on a rate or exploitative business practices from a publication posted, email [email protected].

TIME-SENSITIVE PITCH CALLS, SORTED BY HIGHEST TO LOWEST RATES 

–Washingtonian is looking for pitches of feature stories on NextDoor that relate to the DC area for their print magazine. The rates start at $1 per word. Send pitches to [email protected] or @patrick_hruby on Twitter.

–The Food Section is looking for pitches of reported stories on food and drink in the American South. The rate is $1,000 for 1,200 words, and may also cover some expenses. See their pitch guide for more info, including how to pitch. 

–Majuscule is looking for pitches of literary creative nonfiction pieces on cultural theory, economics, business, literature, sports, music, and urbanism. They are particularly interested in pitches from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ writers, and specifically not looking for pitches of reviews, overly topical, or academic pieces. The rate is $1,000 for 3,000 words. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected] by this Monday, January 23.

–Narratively is looking for pitches of first-person essays or reported articles on “inspiring and dramatic stories that celebrate Black broadcast journalists who have broken down barriers and blazed their own trails.” The rates start at $1,000 per story. Send pitches through their pitch form by next Friday, January 27. 

–Poynter is looking for pitches of reported pieces, columns, and opinion pieces on LGBTQ+ issues in journalism. The rates start at $0.50 per word. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Inherited, a podcast on climate change, is looking for pitches of stories on the “themes of earth, air, fire, water, and ether through [their] ongoing lens of climate and youth” for their third season. They are “specifically seeking pitches from young (17-24) BIPOC folks and those from marginalized or frontline communities, with first-time storytellers especially encouraged to apply.” The rates start at $750 per story and while there is no minimum length for a piece, they are “unlikely to produce pieces longer than 25 minutes.” See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches by January 31. 

-NYU’s LatinxProject is looking for pitches of essays on algorithms, AI, Web3, and other topics for their spring exhibition. Pitches are welcome from all freelance writers, not only NYU students. The rate is $300 for up to 1,500 words, and goes up to $500 for longer pieces. Send pitches to [email protected] by January 30.  

–Passionfruit, the Daily Dot’s creator economy newsletter, is looking for pitches of think pieces, interviews, and reported features on “creator economy business news, viral labor stories, [and] investigations into unfair business practices against creators” centered around Black History Month. They are also interested in “connecting with new writers for longer term relationships.” The rates start at $250 for think pieces, $300 for interviews, and $450 for reported features. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Time Out is looking for pitches of features on interesting underground scenes and subcultures happening in the UK (esp. outside of London). They are particularly interested in pitches on “unlikely music hubs, experimental fashion and art, niche interests, [and] urban sports.” The rate is £0.25 ($0.30 USD) per word. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Insider is commissioning a writer to produce a reported personal essay on “the fresh hell that is summer camp registration this year.” The rate ranges from $200-$300 for 600-800 words. Send inquiries ASAP to [email protected]. 

–Healthline is commissioning health and wellness writers to cover “general health and wellness topics, like condition overviews, symptom identification, and prevention tips.” The rates start at $175 for 750 words, the “average rate [they] can offer is $200 for about 1,000 words,” and “some pieces may be assigned for up to $225.” See their call for writers form for more info and to submit your info. 

–Crikey is looking for pitches of opinion and analysis pieces on politics, government, media, business, the arts, sport and other aspects of public life in Australia. They are particularly interested in pitches that are “hooked on the news cycle.” The rates range from $250-$300 AUS ($172-$206 USD) for 600-800 words. See their pitch guide for more info, including how to pitch. 

–Mildew is looking for pitches of stories on “secondhand fashion, vintage clothes, fashion history, creative reuse, [and] recycling” that “inspires readers to think about old clothes in new ways.” They are also interested in “flea market photo tours from around the world, and explorations of how your culture shapes ideas around reuse.” The rates start at $150. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected] by this Sunday, January 22. 

–Parents.com is looking for pitches of essays and features on lifestyle, entertainment, and “family and parenting trends.” The rates start at $150 per piece. Send pitches to @sona_c on Twitter. 

–Mend is looking for pitches of personal essays and reported articles on self love. The rates range from $125-$250, depending on the length and type of piece. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Layered Butter is looking for pitches of analysis and cultural criticism, interviews, essays, and other content on art, design, and the movies. They also look for pitches on a “particular abstract theme, genre, director, [or] actor” for issues of their publication. The rates range from $100-$500. See their pitch form for more info and to submit pitches. 

NEW EVERGREEN PITCH CALLS, SORTED BY HIGHEST TO LOWEST RATES

–The New Republic is always looking for pitches of reported stories on inequality, including the social safety net, corporate shenanigans, the labor movement, Indian Country and tribal sovereignty, and more for their vertical “Sold Short.” The rates start at $400, but tend to be around $0.50-$1 per word “based on the extent of reporting required.” See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected].  

-The Century Foundation is always looking for pitches of op-eds and personal narratives on “the economic disparities that disabled people experience” for their Voices of Disability Economic Justice Project. The rate is $500 per piece. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Landscape Architecture Magazine is always looking for pitches of short reported stories for their front-of-book section. The pitches should be relevant to “an audience of landscape architects, planners, parks professionals, urban designers, and other allied practitioners.” The rate is $400 for 300-400 words. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Nexus Media News is always looking for pitches of reported features and profiles on climate change and environmental justice. The rate is $350 for single-subject profiles, as-told-to’s, and Q&As; and is $500 for short features of 1,000-1,200 words. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Insider is always looking for pitches of personal essays on health, parenting, and relationships. The rate ranges from $200-$300 for 600-800 words. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–The Daily Dot is always looking for pitches of reporting, personal essays, guides, and other content on sex, kink, dating, relationships, and the Internet for their “Pleaser” vertical. The rates range from $150-$400. Send pitches to [email protected]. 

–Understandably is always looking for pitches of first-person narrative essays on “unique experiences that lead to universal lessons or insights into what it means to be a human being.” The rate is $100 for 700-1,000 words. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches to [email protected] with “SUBMISSION” in the subject line. 

–Pride Source is always looking for pitches of essays, features, and stories on LGBTQIA hard news, pop culture, and “everything in between.” They are especially interested in pitches of queer pet, wedding, and home story ideas, as well as pitches from Michigan-based writers. The rates range from $100-$150 for essays, and $150-$250 for features. They are also looking for regular news and features contributors. See their pitch guide for more info, and send pitches and inquiries to [email protected]. 

***CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL LIST OF 200+ EVERGREEN PITCH CALLS, SORTED BY HIGHEST TO LOWEST RATES.***

FREELANCE, PART-TIME, AND TEMPORARY JOBS 

–The California Planning & Development Report is hiring a freelance writer to produce a weekly collection of news briefs (with byline) and manage social media posts. “The gig is ideal for early-career writers (students welcome) who are interested in urban planning, real estate development, transportation, and related fields.” Candidates should preferably have familiarity with and residence in California, but this is not required. The rate ranges from $300-$350 per month, and will require working three to four hours per week. Payment is a monthly retainer. Send inquiries — including a resume and two or three clips — to [email protected] by this Tuesday, January 24.

-ioby is hiring a part-time content writer to produce two pieces of content per month that “helps establish ioby as an expert voice in the fields of grassroots fundraising, organizing, and movement-building.” Candidates should have some experience writing about civic leadership, fundraising, movements for social and racial justice, and other related topics. The rate is $50 per hour, “with the expectation that you’ll work about 8-10 hours per month.” There is no deadline to apply, but the start date is February 1. 

GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, CONTESTS, AND AWARDS

NEW: -The International Women’s Media Foundation is accepting nominations for their paid Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award. The award celebrates women, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming photojournalists, and includes a cash prize of $20,000. Third-party and self-nominations are accepted. The deadline to nominate is March 3. 

NEW: -The International Women’s Media Foundation is accepting nominations for their annual Courage in Journalism Awards. The awards honor women and nonbinary journalists who “report on taboo topics, work in environments hostile to women, and share difficult truths.” Self-nominations are not accepted. The deadline to nominate is March 3. 

NEW: -The International Women’s Media Foundation is accepting nominations for their Gwen Ifill Award. The award is open to women and non-binary journalists of color working in the news media. Third-party and self-nominations are accepted. The deadline to nominate is March 3. 

-The Fund for Investigative Journalism is accepting applications for their paid Investigative Story Grant program. The program aims to provide grants of up to $10,000 to produce “investigative stories that break new ground and uncover wrongdoing in the public or private sectors.” Stories “must be published in a US media outlet in English” and “come from a US-based reporter or have a strong US angle.” The deadline to apply is January 30. 

FELLOWSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS

–The Philadelphia Inquirer is accepting applications for their paid summer internship program. The program can be done in one of the following tracks: features, business, news, health, opinion, Now desk reporting, audience development, or visuals and photography. The internship pays $18 per hour and interns are expected to work 30 hours per week for nine weeks (from June through August). The deadline to apply is February 1.

JOBS 

NEW YORK CITY

-The Associated Press is hiring a business reporter to cover how economic forces impact everyday life. Candidates should have at least two years of reporting experience, and “professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.” No salary info was given for the role. The deadline to apply is this Tuesday, January 24.

SOUTH

-The Associated Press is hiring a San Antonio, TX-based reporter to cover immigration, which will include regularly traveling to the US-Mexico border. Candidates should have at least two years of reporting experience, and “fluency in Spanish is a major plus.” No salary info was given for this role. The deadline to apply is TOMORROW, January 20. 

REMOTE-FRIENDLY

–Axios is hiring an associate editorial director to pitch, research and write event concepts and recap articles, prep moderators for interviews, and other tasks. Candidates should have at least three years of journalism experience, and some TV news production or event experience is highly preferred. The salary range is $75,000-$85,000. The position can be based in Virginia; Maryland; New York City; or Washington, DC.