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Freelance writer for magazines1/16/2024 ![]() ![]() A down-to-Earth writing style is key - clear, clean prose must balance a compelling story. Out There - Discover 's space column focuses on all that the universe has to offer: planetary science, astrophysics, cosmology and everything in between. The column covers archaeology, anthropology and human evolution. Origin Story - This column focuses on new research that advances - or overturns - our understanding of our collective past. It’s as if the reader is peering over the physician’s shoulder. Send pitches to Alex Orlando. Vital Signs - Medical mysteries: The writer - who can be a medical doctor or a science writer - walks us through the twists and turns of tricky patient cases, with an eye to storytelling. These immersive stories might focus on a particular place of scientific intrigue, type of travel (e.g., voluntourism for science) or unique way of experiencing the world (e.g., freediving), encouraging the reader to give it a try. The Itinerary - Elevates an inspiring travel destination or experience, through the lens of science. The most successful pitches connect a moment in the past with recent research findings and/or current events. History Lessons - Devoted to uncovering lost, forgotten, unrecognized - or just quirky - moments and individuals throughout the history of science, History Lessons stories can be thoughtful, lighthearted, or both. See individual column descriptions for the appropriate editor to pitch. Most columns are 1,200 words (variation from that word count will be decided by your editor). If you’re unsure which editor to pitch, send the pitch to. ![]() The breakdown below lays out the different segments of the print magazine, as well as which editor to pitch if you feel your idea fits that section. Due to the volume of web pitches we receive, we can only respond to those we are interested in commissioning. Web pitches should be sent to Erin Berge ( ). We encourage you to include your portfolio or links to previous work along with your pitch. In your pitch, you should try to adopt Discover’s conversational tone and demonstrate an ability to translate scientific concepts for our lay audience. Your pitch should clearly and concisely explain the story you wish to write and why it’s relevant for our readers. Generally, we are not looking for single-study, embargoed stories - but if you come across something irresistible, feel free to pitch it. ![]() We’re looking for pieces that are fresh, thought-provoking and in line with our reader’s interests. These pieces should focus on a larger body of research, examine trends in science and the world at large, offer historical context, or serve as helpful explainers. ĭiscover seeks pitches for our website,, especially short feature stories (600-1,000 words) that have a new angle on current events or are evergreen and remain relevant for readers over a longer period of time. Tell us about your credentials: What’s your science-writing background? Share your best two or three clips and a link to your website or portfolio. Mention specifics about studies you’d cite and researchers you’d talk to. What’s the science, how is it new (and hasn’t been covered before), and what’s the story that will interest readers? Our audience is broad: Science should be for everyone. Our stories are grounded in research, but are driven by strong narratives, high reader interest and a conversational tone. We want stories that enlighten, inform and get readers excited about science we capture science that’s relevant to them. HOW TO PITCH DISCOVER What Makes a Story a Good Fit for Discover For web, 365-day exclusivity and non-exclusive perpetual rights. Rights Purchased: For print, 90-day exclusivity and non-exclusive perpetual rights. Pay Rate: For print, starting at $1/word. (No need to submit an invoice for either print or web.) Payment: For print, on completion of editing on a story draft. ![]()
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