Pitches wanted (history, health, etc.) | ~$1 per word
Added 2025-01-14 21:36:00 +0000 UTCCOMPANY/PUBLICATION: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Starlight Williams, Editor at National Geographic Travel, is looking for pitches:
I am looking for smart (not academic), interesting (not just to you), and relevant (to a global audience) pitches to fill my winter/spring calendar.
Hidden histories (electric taxis in the 1800s?/Australians went to war against Emus/ Pilates started in prison?)
Health explainers: How does X affect the mind/body? What do you mean strokes are on the rise? Food noise is a thing? Seriously, what is cortisol? Dense breasts?
Health debunkers: indicas and sativas are the same?!/sugar doesn't make kids hyper? I can't sweat out toxins?
Health trends: Infrared saunas, dense bean salads, Balkan diet, pre-workout, led light therapy
I wonder stories: What do you mean you don't have inner monologue? I wonder what cats think about. How do lost dogs find their way home? I wonder what the best position to sleep in is?
Obscure but I'm willing to fight for it: the ancient origins of zodiac signs, the real history about XYZ blockbuster hit, supernatural-paranormal-weird history.
TL;DR I'm looking for the stories you talk to your friends about over dinner, things that make you ask...why, how, whaaa?! Science-driven, researched backed, holy cow that's freaking cool stories. *Please confirm we've not already covered your angle or something similar before pitching.
Now if you made it this far...here's how to pitch: Sample hed/dek: Match our style. Prove you know what your story is about. 2. Nut graph: The 5 W's, emphasize WHY ARE YOU TELLING THIS STORY NOW (superlatives, global appeal, new take, timely news, etc.). 3. Bio/clips
That's it.
I am looking forward to all the joy and chaos y'all bring to my inbox in 2025. Email: starlight.williams@natgeo.com
CONFIDENTIAL NOTE: Reports indicate that National Geographic pays $1 per word. It is recommended that you discuss the rate(s) with the editor upon the acceptance of your pitch.
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CONTACT INFORMATION (please do not share the email address publicly):
Questions/submissions: starlight.williams@natgeo.com
Website: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:
Learn more about the publication: National Geographic is a global publication that covers topics related to science, nature, geography, history, and culture. It features in-depth articles, photography, and documentaries that explore the natural world and human civilizations. The publication aims to educate and inspire audiences about the planet and its diverse ecosystems, cultures, and challenges. More information here.
Read through a selection of recent history and culture-related articles/stories on its website.
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 few lines highlighting your writing experience, relevant credentials and publication credits; and (3) links to your strongest work or portfolio, and online profile.
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