Opportunities 12/23/2020

Pitch advice from editors!

Have a job posting, gig, fellowship, or pitch you want to be included in the next Opps newsletter? Send them to [email protected] for approval with “Opportunity:” in the subject line. 

***********************

🎁 MERRY PITCHMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD BREAK 🎁

For the final Opps of the year, our gift to you is a few words of wisdom about pitching from editors around the industry. Read up, hone the pitches you’ll send out in January, and find some joy in the final few days of the hell year that was 2020. 

From the editors: 

-From working at two very different outlets, I’ve come to appreciate how much the odds of a pitch getting accepted come down to the publication’s capacity versus the writer’s skill. This doesn’t have to be discouraging! Before you pitch, check the publication’s home page to see how often they publish the kind of story you’re pitching.

Do they run an art review every day? Three or four blog posts on tech news every afternoon? If you’re pitching those things, that’s great for you — editors are trying to fill those quotas and will be more likely to accept your pitch. If you are pitching a feature to a publication that publishes more infrequently, it will likely need to be something the editor cannot turn down.

In general, I’d recommend pitching your niche, idiosyncratic stories to outlets with a slower publication schedule and general-interest pieces to places that put out content frequently — this isn’t universal, but smaller pubs are likely not competing to cover everything important in a given beat and larger pubs are. –Erin Schwartz, managing editor at Study Hall (that’s us!)

-Write a headline and put it in the subject line of your email. Even if the headline will change during edits, doing this really helps the editor envision what your piece would look like on the site, on social, etc. As an editor, when you have 75 pitches sitting in your inbox, that makes a huge difference. –Corinne Segal, senior editor at Literary Hub

-Every time I tweet out a call for pitches, my inbox gets inundated with a lot of very high-quality ideas, which is great for me and a bad sign for freelancers — it’s very competitive out there. But even when I try to be fairly clear about what topics I’m looking for, I always get a lot of pitches that don’t have much to do with those topics, or would be out of place at that publication. I understand why this happens: as a writer, you’re working on stories that interest you maybe without having a clear idea where you’d place those stories, or maybe an outlet that you thought would take a story passes, leaving you with an orphaned idea. But it’s extremely annoying as an editor to get a pitch that you can’t do anything with, not because it’s a bad story, but because it’s not the type of piece that I edit or that the place I work for would ever run. 

Researching where to send a pitch can be a very frustrating part of the process, since many publications don’t make it clear who handles what type of story and many editors don’t explain what kind of stories they look for. So writers have to ask around — on Study Hall or by talking to other writers they know who’ve written for a given outlet or editor — in order to figure out where to send something. This is extra work but it’s really necessary. To break through the clutter of an editor’s inbox you need a pitch subject line that is so obviously a fit for them that they can’t help but open it. Do some reporting and find the right editor! –Harry Cheadle, writer of the What Went Wrong newsletter

-Take time to read our freelancer guidelines and understand our audience before pitching. We are a trade publication covering public media, and our core audience works in public media. Yet freelancers still submit pitches on topics that have nothing to do with public media. They’re wasting their time and ours! The best pitches promise to give our niche audience a take on their line of work that they’re not going to find anywhere else. –Mike Janssen, digital editor of Current

-Keep it short. Don’t overload your pitch with details like the sources you’ll interview or the backstory of your idea. All the editor needs is a succinct summary of what the story is, why it’s a fit for their outlet, and why you’re the person to write it! –Rachel Simon, deputy editor at HelloGiggles

-Attention to detail in your pitch is extremely important as it shows the editor what kind of reporter and writer you are (and gives them insight into how heavy a lift editing you may be). Make sure you spellcheck, have all the necessary details or attachments, and double-check the editor’s name before hitting send. Also, if you’re pitching to multiple outlets, make sure you change the name of the publication in your email! (You’d be surprised how many times this happens.) –Saira Mueller, editor at WIRED 

-When you know other pitchers might be zigging, you should zag. –Tre’vell Anderson, editor-at-large at Xtra Magazine

***********************

CALLS FOR PITCHES 

***Please note that we only share pitch calls that have fair rates based on publicly available information. While we 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].***

-Hearst is looking to commission food writers to work on a range of sponsored content stories in partnership with Almond Breeze. The stories will focus on easy health swaps, recipe twists, nutritional benefits of certain foods, and tips for maximizing your freezer space. Stories will be published on either Good Housekeeping or The Pioneer Woman. The rate is $425 per piece. Send inquiries to [email protected]. 

–Frame is looking to commission video journalists to report on Georgia’s runoff elections. They are specifically looking for reporters to conduct a series of short interviews with voters on election day. The rate ranges from $350-$500 for the day of filming and there is “additional budget to support travel and gear as needed.” Send inquiries to [email protected]. 

–The Wall Street Journal  is looking for pitches of personal essays on “entering or navigating the working world during the pandemic.” They specifically want writers under the age of 35. They will also consider pitches of essays on other topics. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches by January 8.

–Majuscule is looking for pitches of essays on “basically anything that an educated progressive reader might find interesting.” They don’t want essays that are reviews, and pitches must be somewhat non-time-sensitive, as they will be published in February. The rate is $750 for at least 3,000 words. Send pitches and inquiries to Study Hall member Mike Lindgren at [email protected] by December 28.

–Inuit Art Quarterly is looking for pitches for their next issue, themed around Interiors. The rate is $1,250 CAD (about $940 USD) for features and $250 CAD (about $185 USD) for reviews and smaller pieces. Please send pitches to [email protected] by December 31. 

–It’s Freezing in LA! Magazine is looking for pitches of essays, opinion, reviews, features, and slow journalism on the topic of regeneration for their next issue. They are also looking for writers for two specific features on art that looks at ecology and conflict and on online climate activism. The rate is £150 (about $200) for 1,000 words. See their pitch guide for more info, and send pitches by January 6.

–Mslexia is looking for pitches of features and essays “from women who manage to write despite a particular personal challenge.” These challenges can include a new baby, long-term illness, English as a second language, depression, and more. The rate is £100 (about $135) for 1,000 words. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches by January 11.

–Bitch Media is looking for pitches of features, essays, and interviews on the theme of “plastic” for their next print issue. They want stories about Instagram models, Barbie dolls, sex toys, Silicon Valley, activism, imposter syndrome, and more. See their pitch guide for more info and send pitches by January 23. 

-The Freelancers Union is looking for pitches of evergreen guides, how-to content, and timely reporting on freelance-related issues for its blog. A personal, genuine voice is highly encouraged. The rate is $250 for up to 1,000 words. Freelancers retain all rights to their work and are encouraged to plug their own businesses. Send pitches to [email protected] with “Study Hall” in the subject line.

 

FREELANCE, PART-TIME, AND TEMPORARY JOBS

–TechCrunch is hiring writers to cover startups and the business of technology on a contract basis. The writers will work on larger projects and long-term beat reporting on enterprise, mobility, hardware, fintech, cryptocurrency, and other topics. The rate starts at $3,000-$5,000 per month, and “could be higher for bigger projects or more experience.”

–Popular Science is hiring a contributor to report on science news twice a week. The exact rate will vary based on the contributor agreement, but their standard for reported news and analysis is $2,000 per month for about two pieces per week. Send inquiries to [email protected] and [email protected]. 

–Gumbo Media is hiring writers based in Albuquerque, Austin, Memphis, Minneapolis, Rochester, and St. Paul for a project on their cities’ histories of racial inequities. The project will last at least three months and pay at least $1,000. The deadline to apply is January 1.

 

EVENTS

-The National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Los Angeles chapter is hosting a virtual career fair on February 6. The fair will include several senior-level journalists explaining how to organize your work materials, and how to write resumes and cover letters. You can sign up for a one-on-one, 10-minute conversation with a mentor who will review your materials by emailing [email protected] with “Resume Review” in the subject line by January 23. 

 

GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND FELLOWSHIPS

–Type Investigations will be accepting applications for their Ida B. Wells Fellowship in January. The fellowship aims to help reporters complete their first major work of investigative reporting with a $20,000 award and editorial guidance from one of their editors. Fellows will also receive funds to cover travel, other reporting costs, and costs associated with attending their annual Investigative Reporters and Editors conference. 

–Business Insider is accepting applications for their New York-based summer 2021 fellowship program. Fellows will choose from a variety of beats to focus on, including finance, investing, transportation, healthcare, energy, business, and gaming-focused influencers and esports, or fellows can work for their market data site, Markets Insider. They are also accepting applications for a San Francisco-based fellowship covering technology startups and tech investors. All fellowship programs are paid and require that you work 30 hours per week for six months.

–Marie Claire is accepting applications for their paid 2021 fellowship program. Fellows will start in January and work from Monday to Friday for six months. There is “lots of writing involved,” and the fellowship is remote-friendly. Send inquiries and clips to [email protected]. 

-NPR is accepting applications for their one-year, DC-based Kroc Fellowship. Fellows will receive hands-on training in audio and digital journalism, including writing, reporting, producing, and editing. Applicants must be recent graduates, but previous journalism experience is not required. Fellows are paid a stipend of more than $45,000 and receive benefits, including a paid vacation. Applications are accepted from October 15 to December 31. 

–Outside Magazine is accepting applications for their paid fellowship program. Fellows will have the opportunity to work with editors in editorial, production, and video production work. The fellowship pays $15 per hour (and time-and-a-half for any overtime hours), and fellows are expected to work around 40 hours per week for six months. The fellowship can be based in their Santa Fe newsroom or be done remotely from California, Illinois, New York, or Colorado. The deadline to apply is January 8.

-The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is accepting applications for its paid fact-checking fellowship in collaboration with the Facebook Journalism Project. Fellows will be assigned to newsrooms across the US, including PolitiFact, AP, Reuters, USA TODAY, and others. The fellowship lasts for one year, and fellows are expected to work full-time. The deadline to apply is December 31.

-Ann Friedman is accepting applications for her paid 2021 AF WKLY fellowship. Two fellows will receive steady mentorship and work part-time with her “a few hours per week” on her weekly email newsletter, The Ann Friedman Weekly. Fellows will receive an annual stipend of at least $5,000. The deadline to apply is January 10.

-The Sidney Hillman Foundation is accepting applications for its 2021 Hillman Prizes for Journalism. The prize honors excellence in investigative journalism and commentary. Entries must have been published or broadcast in 2020 and been made widely available in the US. Hillman Prize winners will be awarded a $5,000 honorarium. The deadline to apply is January 30. 

–Report for America is hiring for over 300 reporting positions at newsrooms across the US. For 2021, the program doubled the number of host newsrooms owned by people of color, and more than one third of the beats cover communities of color. The program offers a two-year contract (with an option for three years), and candidates with all levels of experience can apply. They are also piloting a small “experienced corps” for mid- to late-career journalists with eight or more years’ experience. The deadline to apply is January 31. 

–Forbes is accepting applications for their paid business journalism fellowship for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Fellows will be assigned to a beat and work with a mentoring editor from June to August and, as a final project, will submit an original piece of business journalism in the fall. The deadline to apply is February 15.

 

INTERNSHIPS

–Audubon Magazine is accepting applications for their paid, remote winter 2021 internship. Interns will pitch and write articles for print and web, and assist with research, story development, and fact-checking. The internship pays $15 per hour, and interns are expected to work up to 35 hours per week for 16 weeks.

-The Emma Bowen Foundation is accepting applications for its paid summer 2021 internship program for students of color. Interns in the content track will learn about production, social media, digital media, and broadcast and online journalism. There is no set deadline to apply, but they recommend that students apply as soon as possible. 

-The Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents’ Association is accepting applications for their paid internship program. Interns will assist reporters from various news organizations at the state Capitol in Harrisburg from mid-May to late July or early August. The internship pays $575 per week, and interns are expected to work five days per week. The deadline to apply is February 1.

–High Country News is accepting applications for their paid internship program. Interns will develop, report, and write two articles per month about the Western United States, and will work with editors to learn how to perform interviews, frame a story, and more. The internship pays a $600 bi-weekly stipend for interns working remotely from within the Western United States; an additional $125 bi-weekly work-from-home allowance; and a one-time signing bonus of $500 to help with IT equipment. Interns can be based anywhere in the Western region of the US. The deadline to apply for the summer internship is March 15.

 

JOBS 

SOUTHEAST

-WPLN News is hiring a Nashville-based digital news editor to manage reporters and write stories for the web. Candidates should have knowledge of how the web works and a “passion for reaching new audiences and those who’ve been historically underserved by public radio.” The deadline to apply is December 27.

–ProPublica is hiring six Atlanta-based reporters to cover the South, focusing on Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Candidates should have some experience producing original, revelatory, in-depth, or investigative stories. They are also open to candidates located in another city based in the Southern states they will be covering. The deadline to apply is January 4.

 

SOUTHWEST 

–Texas Monthly is hiring a culture editor to lead their coverage of entertainment and the arts. Candidates should have at least three years of editing experience, and a working knowledge of the state’s art and culture scene is preferred. The position will begin remotely, but will be based in their Austin newsroom once it is safe to do so.

–ProPublica is hiring five Phoenix-based reporters to cover the Southwest, focusing on Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and possibly Colorado. Candidates should have some experience producing original, revelatory, in-depth, or investigative stories. They are also open to candidates located in another city based in the Southwest states they will be covering. The deadline to apply is January 4.

 

REMOTE-FRIENDLY

–Prism, a BIPOC-led newsroom, is hiring a managing editor to lead their newsroom. Candidates should have significant experience managing projects and assigning content, and should have a working knowledge of racial justice, immigration, criminal justice, workers’ rights, and environmental justice. The starting salary range is $75,000-$85,000. The deadline to apply is January 11.

-The Associated Press is hiring a reporter to cover equity and race in the US education system. Candidates should have at least one year of full-time newsroom experience and a demonstrated history of successful beat reporting. The position can be based out of any city with an AP bureau. The deadline to apply is January 5.