Pitching and publishing Archives

Article

Why Now? Find a Hook To Make Your Pitch Timely

"When a journalist pitches a story, one of the first questions they may be asked is: Why is this a story now? Finding what makes a story timely and relevant is an essential step in landing a pitch and engaging readers. Some stories may have a clear news peg, such as a new publication or a project milestone. In other cases, finding a timely hook may require a bit more creativity or pre-reporting."

Why Now? Find a Hook To Make Your Pitch Timely

Summary:

"When a journalist pitches a story, one of the first questions they may be asked is: Why is this a story now? Finding what makes a story timely and relevant is an essential step in landing a pitch and engaging readers. Some stories may have a clear news peg, such as a new publication or a project milestone. In other cases, finding a timely hook may require a bit more creativity or pre-reporting."

Author:

Lucila Pinto

Published By:

The Open Notebook

Date:

February 24, 2026

Category:

For:

Journalists

VISIT

Events

Pitch Clinic at the Perugia Journalism Festival

"Covering Climate Now and Clean Energy Wire are hosting a practical session at the 2026 International Journalism Festival in Perugia: 'Covering a heating world with fewer resources.' The session is designed to help freelance climate journalists navigate shifting editorial priorities and tighter budgets, and it includes a live pitch clinic. ... We’ll workshop pitches that have been submitted in advance. The strongest will be considered for publication by The Guardian."

Attendance in person is not required to submit a pitch.
The session will be live-streamed and on-demand, for free.
Only 100 pitches will be accepted, and then the form will be closed.

Pitch Clinic at the Perugia Journalism Festival

Summary:

"Covering Climate Now and Clean Energy Wire are hosting a practical session at the 2026 International Journalism Festival in Perugia: 'Covering a heating world with fewer resources.' The session is designed to help freelance climate journalists navigate shifting editorial priorities and tighter budgets, and it includes a live pitch clinic. ... We’ll workshop pitches that have been submitted in advance. The strongest will be considered for publication by The Guardian."

Attendance in person is not required to submit a pitch.
The session will be live-streamed and on-demand, for free.
Only 100 pitches will be accepted, and then the form will be closed.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Article

STAT Pitch Guidelines

"By and large, we’re looking for ideas that check the boxes of a great STAT story: smart, compelling, original reporting that takes readers inside the world of health, medicine, and scientific discovery. That can translate to all sorts of stories: pieces that bring readers inside research labs, hospitals, and biotech companies; that scrutinize new findings or industry business strategies; that chronicle patient experiences or shed light on disparities; or that dive deep into ideas or individuals that are changing the way we think about science and medicine. We generally pay $1 per word." Visit the link for examples of freelance features and editor contact info.

Podcast

How To Pitch Mongabay Stories on Climate and Indigenous Communities

Institute for Independent Journalists

"Global nonprofit newsroom Mongabay covers environmental change and its consequences for communities. Editor Latoya Abulu leads the Indigenous news desk, and focuses on how Indigenous communities navigate climate change and other threats. She relies heavily on a robust network of freelancers around the world, and hopes to find more contributors based in Canada and the United States, particularly in California. Latoya spoke with IIJ leader Erika Hayasaki about how to avoid common pitfalls in pitching stories about Indigenous communities. Mongabay pays between $0.40 and $1 per word for stories that are full of complexity and show a connection to Indigenous communities, and may also cover travel expenses. Latoya says that pitches incorporating nuance and pre-reporting stand out."

Awards

Falling Walls Engage

"Falling Walls Engage is the global platform for Science Engagement hosted by the Falling Walls Foundation and supported by the Hannover Re Foundation. We showcase successful Science Engagement projects and inspire knowledge transfer within a global, inclusive, and supportive community. We create unique opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and capacity building for current and future practitioners, as well as institutions and the public. We strive to embed Science Engagement at an institutional level and establish it as an asset to any scientific career. The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year in the category Science Engagement is an exemplary, inspiring and impactful initiative that:

Breaks down walls between science and society with its individual approach on climate action;
Engages with those working in science and promotes opportunities for co-learning, co-leadership and co-creation while generating excitement for and trust in science;
Shows a project that is innovative, forward-thinking and entrepreneurial.

" Fifteen selected Engage Finalists will be invited to present their work at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin (6–9 November 2026)." Deadline: April 15.

Falling Walls Engage

Summary:

"Falling Walls Engage is the global platform for Science Engagement hosted by the Falling Walls Foundation and supported by the Hannover Re Foundation. We showcase successful Science Engagement projects and inspire knowledge transfer within a global, inclusive, and supportive community. We create unique opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and capacity building for current and future practitioners, as well as institutions and the public. We strive to embed Science Engagement at an institutional level and establish it as an asset to any scientific career. The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year in the category Science Engagement is an exemplary, inspiring and impactful initiative that:

Breaks down walls between science and society with its individual approach on climate action;
Engages with those working in science and promotes opportunities for co-learning, co-leadership and co-creation while generating excitement for and trust in science;
Shows a project that is innovative, forward-thinking and entrepreneurial.

" Fifteen selected Engage Finalists will be invited to present their work at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin (6–9 November 2026)." Deadline: April 15.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Article

How To Pitch Type Investigations

"Type Investigations is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to transforming the field of independent investigative journalism. We produce high-impact reporting in partnership with print, broadcast, and digital media outlets — allowing us to bring our work to a wide range of audiences. We are particularly interested in pitches on the following topics: erosion of rights, political influence and corporate malfeasance, and climate change and environmental justice. Written features generally run between 3,000 and 5,000 words — though we do publish articles that are shorter and longer. Typical budgets range from $3,000 to $6,000."

How To Pitch Type Investigations

Summary:

"Type Investigations is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to transforming the field of independent investigative journalism. We produce high-impact reporting in partnership with print, broadcast, and digital media outlets — allowing us to bring our work to a wide range of audiences. We are particularly interested in pitches on the following topics: erosion of rights, political influence and corporate malfeasance, and climate change and environmental justice. Written features generally run between 3,000 and 5,000 words — though we do publish articles that are shorter and longer. Typical budgets range from $3,000 to $6,000."

Category:

For:

Journalists

VISIT

Podcast

For $1/Word, Science Friday Wants Enterprise Stories That Spark Curiosity

Institute for Independent Journalists

"Robin Kazmier is senior digital editor for Science Friday, overseeing the digital operation for the beloved radio show that’s broadcast to more than 500 public radio stations across the country. An experienced science journalist in her own right, Kazmier shares the secrets to a successful Science Friday story with IIJ leader Erika Hayasaki. Kazmier accepts submissions in English and Spanish, and seeks enterprise stories about the surprising ways science helps people understand the world around them."

Article

Isotopes, Archaea, and Cold-Water Physics — How To Sell Obscure Science Stories to Editors and Readers

"Anyone who has ever pitched a story has probably been asked: 'Why should readers care?' And no matter how many interesting tidbits you pack into a story, it could fall flat if it doesn’t resonate with the reader. This is especially true when the story centers an arcane subject, such as geology, ancient history, or quantum mechanics. Getting a story about unfamiliar topics off the ground often means jumping over hurdles that might not exist for more relatable subjects like health, biomedicine, or even climate change. Such stories may require extra context to engage readers and help them understand the story’s relevance for them. But through careful framing and thoughtful storytelling, a determined and creative journalist can turn nearly any esoteric subject into compelling reading that can leave readers with a sense of curiosity and wonder."

Events

GeoCinema at EGU26

European Geosciences Union

"After last years' success, GeoCinema is back for EGU26 [May 3-8]! If you’ve shadowed a scientist in the lab, filmed fantastic spectacles in the field, or have produced an educational feature on the Earth, planetary or space sciences, we want to hear from you! GeoCinema features short clips and longer films related to the geosciences, and from animations to interviews, all films are welcome. If you would like to contribute to this popular event, please fill out the submission form by 5 December 2025." Films will be shown both in person and livestreamed to the virtual audience.

GeoCinema at EGU26

Summary:

"After last years' success, GeoCinema is back for EGU26 [May 3-8]! If you’ve shadowed a scientist in the lab, filmed fantastic spectacles in the field, or have produced an educational feature on the Earth, planetary or space sciences, we want to hear from you! GeoCinema features short clips and longer films related to the geosciences, and from animations to interviews, all films are welcome. If you would like to contribute to this popular event, please fill out the submission form by 5 December 2025." Films will be shown both in person and livestreamed to the virtual audience.

Organization:

European Geosciences Union

Category:

For:

VISIT

Article

Landing the Story: Tips for PIOs Working With Journalists

This article summarizes a panel session at the ScienceWriters2024 meeting in which speakers discussed how public information officers (PIOs) can better work with journalists. Speakers included Victoria Jaggard, executive editor at Science News magazine; Laura Helmuth, the recent editor-in-chief of Scientific American; Jeff Grabmeier, Senior Director of Research Communications at Ohio State University; and Kelly Tyrrell, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Content Strategy at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Fellowships & Grants

Princeton University Press Book Proposal Development Grants

Princeton University Press

These grants from Princeton University Press support authors from under-represented groups in STEM working on nonfiction books about science topics. Grantees receive coaching from Princeton University Press editors and consideration for publication. Both first-time and previously published authors are eligible. The first application cycle of 2025 ran from March 24, 2025 to April 6, 2025.

Princeton University Press Book Proposal Development Grants

Summary:

These grants from Princeton University Press support authors from under-represented groups in STEM working on nonfiction books about science topics. Grantees receive coaching from Princeton University Press editors and consideration for publication. Both first-time and previously published authors are eligible. The first application cycle of 2025 ran from March 24, 2025 to April 6, 2025.

Organization:

Princeton University Press

Category:

For:

VISIT

Resource Database / Guide

Tip Sheet: Best Practices for Pitching Freelance Stories

CASW Connector

On January 10, 2024, CASW Connector hosted a Chat discussing the best practices for pitching freelance stories, including how to structure your pitch, how to approach new editors, the art of the soft pitch, and much more. The panelists answered attendees’ questions, and participants discussed specific issues about pitching in breakout groups. This event was facilitated by Connector managing editor Kate Travis, and the panelists were: Robin Lloyd, freelance writer and editor, CASW president, and creator and curator of Science media outlets to pitch; Victoria Jaggard, deputy editor, health and science, The Washington Post; Esther Landhuis, freelance science & health journalist; and Debbie Ponchner, editor, Knowable en español, and CASW board member.

Tip Sheet: Best Practices for Pitching Freelance Stories

Summary:

On January 10, 2024, CASW Connector hosted a Chat discussing the best practices for pitching freelance stories, including how to structure your pitch, how to approach new editors, the art of the soft pitch, and much more. The panelists answered attendees’ questions, and participants discussed specific issues about pitching in breakout groups. This event was facilitated by Connector managing editor Kate Travis, and the panelists were: Robin Lloyd, freelance writer and editor, CASW president, and creator and curator of Science media outlets to pitch; Victoria Jaggard, deputy editor, health and science, The Washington Post; Esther Landhuis, freelance science & health journalist; and Debbie Ponchner, editor, Knowable en español, and CASW board member.

Organization:

CASW Connector

Date:

January 15, 2024

Category:

For:

Journalists

VISIT

Article

How to pitch to a science editor

"Successfully pitching a story to a science editor requires a wide range of skills, from researching their outlet to communicating with them in a professional way. In this practical guide, we have compiled advice from six different science editors with extensive experience in commissioning pieces for a number of different outlets including Science, BBC Focus Magazine, New Scientist, the Mail and Guardian and SciDev.Net. Following the advice in this guide will increase the chances of getting your story accepted by an editor."

How to pitch to a science editor

Summary:

"Successfully pitching a story to a science editor requires a wide range of skills, from researching their outlet to communicating with them in a professional way. In this practical guide, we have compiled advice from six different science editors with extensive experience in commissioning pieces for a number of different outlets including Science, BBC Focus Magazine, New Scientist, the Mail and Guardian and SciDev.Net. Following the advice in this guide will increase the chances of getting your story accepted by an editor."

Published By:

SciDev.Net

Date:

September 14, 2015

Category:

For:

VISIT

Article

Pitching errors: How not to pitch

"Writing a good pitch is really tough. Writing a bad one is easy. Editors see the same mistakes over and over again, even from good writers." Seven editors from a variety of publications had a roundtable, email discussion about how not to pitch. This resulting article is full of do's and don't and practical advice for what not to do when pitching a story.

Video

International opportunities for Latin American science journalists

RedMPC

In this webinar, a session from the Symposium to Advance Science Communication and Journalism in Chile (SAPeCCT) 2023, a panel of editors at science publications discussed freelance opportunities for writers in Latin America. The panel included Debbie Ponchner, Knowable en español; David Malakoff, Science; Rachel Courtland, MIT Technology Review; Lynne Walker, Stories Without Borders; Lauren Wolf, Nature; and Siri Carpenter, The Open Notebook.

International opportunities for Latin American science journalists

Summary:

In this webinar, a session from the Symposium to Advance Science Communication and Journalism in Chile (SAPeCCT) 2023, a panel of editors at science publications discussed freelance opportunities for writers in Latin America. The panel included Debbie Ponchner, Knowable en español; David Malakoff, Science; Rachel Courtland, MIT Technology Review; Lynne Walker, Stories Without Borders; Lauren Wolf, Nature; and Siri Carpenter, The Open Notebook.

Organization:

RedMPC

Date:

April 4, 2023

Category:

For:

VISIT

Article

Ask TON: How much time should I spend preparing a pitch?

Writers and editors at The Open Notebook respond to a question from a reader: "What is a normal amount of time to spend on preparing pitches for magazine feature stories? I’ve heard people say they spend as little as an hour, and others say they conduct multiple interviews before pitching—and I assume they then spend a good deal of time writing the pitch itself. What’s usually the best approach, practically speaking?”

Ask TON: How much time should I spend preparing a pitch?

Summary:

Writers and editors at The Open Notebook respond to a question from a reader: "What is a normal amount of time to spend on preparing pitches for magazine feature stories? I’ve heard people say they spend as little as an hour, and others say they conduct multiple interviews before pitching—and I assume they then spend a good deal of time writing the pitch itself. What’s usually the best approach, practically speaking?”

Published By:

The Open Notebook

Date:

November 10, 2015

Category:

For:

VISIT

Article

How to successfully pitch The New York Times (or, well, anyone else)

In this article, Tim Herrera (who was, at the time, Smarter Living editor at the New York Times) explains some common do's and don't's of pitching freelance journalism articles. He writes: "After consulting with about a dozen editors who commission stories at publications ranging from small, niche blogs to national magazines and newspapers, I’ve pulled together the six most common mistakes freelancers make when pitching — and what you can do to impress an editor."

Video

Out of this world: Writing space books

DC Science Writers Association

"From the moon to the far reaches of the universe, there’s a lot to cover in the realm of space science. How do authors find book topics, research them, and put them together into engaging works? In this panel, hosted by DCSWA on November 8, 2023, hear from preeminent science writers David W. Brown, author of “The Mission,” and Jaime Green, author of “The Possibility of Life: Science, Imagination, and Our Quest for Kinship in the Cosmos.” The panel was moderated by Liz Landau, science writer and DCSWA board member."

Out of this world: Writing space books

Summary:

"From the moon to the far reaches of the universe, there’s a lot to cover in the realm of space science. How do authors find book topics, research them, and put them together into engaging works? In this panel, hosted by DCSWA on November 8, 2023, hear from preeminent science writers David W. Brown, author of “The Mission,” and Jaime Green, author of “The Possibility of Life: Science, Imagination, and Our Quest for Kinship in the Cosmos.” The panel was moderated by Liz Landau, science writer and DCSWA board member."

Organization:

DC Science Writers Association

Date:

November 9, 2023

Category:

For:

VISIT

Article

Sharpening ideas: From topic to story

"As science writers, we learn about fascinating topics daily, and explaining that complexity is one of the joys of our work. But to sell the story to our editors, we need a good angle and often a compelling narrative approach. This can challenge even experienced writers."

Article

Is this a story? How to evaluate your ideas before you pitch

"When a journalist is on the prowl for a new story, every yarn spun by a friend, every press release, every vacation adventure, and every quirky local news item can seem like the beginning of a great story idea. But most glimmers of inspiration turn out to be just that—transient inklings. Only a few will be real gems. The most successful freelancers can quickly sift through their ideas and see whether an idea deserves to exist as a story, and what kind of story to pitch. This evaluation is usually an intuitive process, honed over years of practice. But learning the right questions to ask about your ideas can help accelerate the learning curve."

Article

Finding the science in any story

"Not all science writing has to be deeply academic or focused on dense concepts. Science writing can be crowd-pleasing, and shareable, and even sarcastic or funny. And it can belong in publications whose focus might seem far removed from science, such as magazines centered on fashion, business, food, public policy, sports, parenting … or just about anything else. For a freelancer, finding a scientific angle on a trending news topic can make a pitch pleasantly unexpected, and more likely to pique an editor’s interest."

Article

A Book Publishing Primer for Science Writers

"From developing an idea, to crafting a proposal and selling it to a publisher, to actually writing the thing itself, publishing a book is an arduous process. Thankfully, you can draw on the successful experiences of other science writers who have traversed the tricky terrain of book publishing." This story describes the early process of book publishing, including identifying an idea, finding an agent, writing a book proposal and finding a publisher.

Video

How to pitch climate change stories to editors

International Center for Journalists

This webinar discusses how journalists can wade through the extensive public discussions around climate change to pitch stories that are urgent and impactful. The event featured Greg Mott, sustainability editor at POLITICO, who shared tips for story pitches he would like to see.

How to pitch climate change stories to editors

Summary:

This webinar discusses how journalists can wade through the extensive public discussions around climate change to pitch stories that are urgent and impactful. The event featured Greg Mott, sustainability editor at POLITICO, who shared tips for story pitches he would like to see.

Organization:

International Center for Journalists

Date:

November 1, 2022

Category:

For:

Journalists

VISIT

Resource Database / Guide

Sci Comm Resources — Dan Vahaba

Dan Vahaba is the director of communications at the Duke University Institute for Brain Sciences. He compiled this Google doc full of science writing resources, including articles and books to read, tips about how to pitch, conferences, academic journals, newsletters, and more.

Sci Comm Resources — Dan Vahaba

Summary:

Dan Vahaba is the director of communications at the Duke University Institute for Brain Sciences. He compiled this Google doc full of science writing resources, including articles and books to read, tips about how to pitch, conferences, academic journals, newsletters, and more.

Author:

Dan Vahaba

Category:

For:

VISIT

Resource Database / Guide

SciCommers Community Resources

Boston University

This spreadsheet shares resources and programs from the SciCommers community, a network of undergrads, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and industry researchers who are interested in improving their science communication skills. In the database, you can find: links to interviews with expert science writers, a guide to pitching stories, a list of science writing articles, stories by SciCommers, and more.

SciCommers Community Resources

Summary:

This spreadsheet shares resources and programs from the SciCommers community, a network of undergrads, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and industry researchers who are interested in improving their science communication skills. In the database, you can find: links to interviews with expert science writers, a guide to pitching stories, a list of science writing articles, stories by SciCommers, and more.

Organization:

Boston University

Published By:

SciCommers

Category:

For:

VISIT

Find a resource

Library

Why Now? Find a Hook To Make Your Pitch Timely

Pitch Clinic at the Perugia Journalism Festival

STAT Pitch Guidelines

How To Pitch Mongabay Stories on Climate and Indigenous Communities

Falling Walls Engage

How To Pitch Type Investigations

For $1/Word, Science Friday Wants Enterprise Stories That Spark Curiosity

Isotopes, Archaea, and Cold-Water Physics — How To Sell Obscure Science Stories to Editors and Readers

GeoCinema at EGU26

Landing the Story: Tips for PIOs Working With Journalists

Princeton University Press Book Proposal Development Grants

Tip Sheet: Best Practices for Pitching Freelance Stories

How to pitch to a science editor

Pitching errors: How not to pitch

International opportunities for Latin American science journalists

Ask TON: How much time should I spend preparing a pitch?

How to successfully pitch The New York Times (or, well, anyone else)

Out of this world: Writing space books

Sharpening ideas: From topic to story

Is this a story? How to evaluate your ideas before you pitch

Finding the science in any story

A Book Publishing Primer for Science Writers

How to pitch climate change stories to editors

Sci Comm Resources — Dan Vahaba

SciCommers Community Resources