Pitches wanted (backpacking, endurance, etc.) | 50 cents to $2 per word
Added 2025-11-12 02:14:41 +0000 UTCCOMPANY/PUBLICATION: TRAILS
Ryan Wichelns, Founding Editor of Trails, is looking for pitches:
Stasia Stockwell and I have just a couple holes that we're looking to close up for Issue 13. We haven't had quite the success we're looking for in the usual circles, so I figured we'd try here. Quick hits:
We need a story for our "The Experiment" column that ties to our "endurance" thread. These 800-word skills stories focus on a particular unique and out-of-the-box backpacking related "test" (like making a piece of gear yourself, catching all your own food on a backpacking trip, or sleeping in a hammock when you normally sleep in a tent). Try it yourself then come back and write a first-person review of how it went and whether or not it was a success. The best pitches for this issue will tie to "endurance" in some way. Pitch stasia@trailsmag.net.
We're also still looking for an "Essay" pitch for Issue 13 that ties to "endurance." These focus on reflection and creative writing, can take almost any form, and are intended as an outlet for creativity from the writer. Unique, high-quality, and/or creative prose is the focus, here. But don't pitch us the obvious stuff: "I did something hard and overcame it." Be original with your interpretation of "endurance." Again, writing style is important for these, so if possible, send along a sample paragraph to show us your voice. Pitch stasia@trailsmag.net.
Finally, we have space for one more feature for Issue 13. Ideally, I'd like this to connect to backpacking trip in the desert. A first- or second-hand adventure story. Something compelling. Maybe some kind of reporting. A profile of a desert backpacking personality. Etc. This can go a lot of different ways. Pitch ryan@trailsmag.net.
If you need more info, always check out this page: https://trailsmag.net/pages/contributor-information. Consider signing up for our contributor mailing list from that page, as well. We send this kind of pitch call out fairly regularly over there.
--------------------
CONTACT INFORMATION (please do not share the email address publicly):
Submissions: ryan@trailsmag.net or stasia@trailsmag.net
Website: https://trailsmag.net/
TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:
Learn more about the publication: Trails Magazine is an independent print publication dedicated to backpacking, thru-hiking, and multiday adventures. It features adventure stories, trail maps, gear reviews, and photography, aiming to provide in-depth and engaging content for outdoor enthusiasts. The magazine seeks to inspire and inform readers about human-powered, overnight backcountry experiences. More information here.
Review the submission guidelines here.
Check out our collection of pitch excerpts on this page and find more sample pitches at The Open Notebook Database and at SuccessfulPitches.com.
Do not forget to end your pitch with (1) a short introduction about yourself; (2) a paragraph highlighting your writing experience, relevant credentials and publication credits; and (3) links to your strongest work or portfolio, and online profile.
--------------------
LOOKING FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES? Find additional jobs on Extra. Check out the upcoming deadlines on our PLUS+ Calendar. Filter the listings by category (worldwide opportunities, high-paying leads, paying publications, and non-pitching jobs). Use the search form on the homepage to find opportunities relevant to your interests.
WANT OUR DIGEST delivered to your inbox? Go to your email settings and make sure the notifications for Write Jobs PLUS+ are turned on. Want more tips? Read the welcome notes here.
