Pitches wanted (fitness, history, health) | ~$1 per word

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Starlight Williams, Editor at National Geographic Travel, is looking for pitches: 

Friendos, pitch me!  

LOOKING FOR: 

• Smart takes on news moments

• Deep dives on fitness trends/how the body works

• Interesting history that is relevant today 

• Explainers on rising health concerns

(bonus points if you can make anime/videogames/supernaturallore natgeo) 

GREAT EXAMPLES!

• What are the ancient origins of your zodiac sign? https://nationalgeographic.com/history/article/history-of-horoscopes

• How Ouija went from quirky parlor game to the most feared spirit board in history: https://nationalgeographic.com/history/article/oujia-board-history

• The real history behind the legend of Sun Wukong, China's Monkey King: https://nationalgeographic.com/history/article/who-is-sun-wukong-monkey-king

• What’s your VO2 max? The answer could transform your health: https://nationalgeographic.com/science/article/vo2-max-explained

• Social running is all the rage—here’s why it’s good for you: https://nationalgeographic.com/science/article/benefits-of-social-running

• Should couples normalize sleeping in separate beds? https://nationalgeographic.com/history/article/sleep-divorce-health-benefits

• ‘Urgency culture’ might lead you to burnout. How can you combat it?https://nationalgeographic.com/science/article/urgency-culture-burnout 

• Why cracking your knuckles is so satisfying—and if it’s really a bad habit: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/is-cracking-your-knuckles-a-bad-habit

MY IDEAL PITCH, IN THIS ORDER, IS:  

• Sample hed/dek. Look at our previous coverage and match our current style. 

• Nut graph: The 5 W's, emphasis on the WHY ARE TELLING THIS STORY NOW (superlatives, global appeal, new take, timely news, etc.). 

• Bio/clips  That's it.

I strongly recommend googling your story topic with at National Geographic and read other pubs work on that topic before pitching. Email starlight.williams@natgeo.com (the only place I ever consider pitches). TL;DR pitch me cool stuff. 

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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