Pitches wanted (science, biodiversity, etc.) | $1 per word

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Sarah Gibbens, Editor at National Geographic, is looking for pitches: 

What I look for in a pitch: 

• surprising, personally relevant, or just-plain-cool new science 

• smart takes on news moments

Best format:

• a one paragraph summary 

• a sentence on why this story matters/why readers should care 

• an eye-catching headline

Some insights on what I tend to pass on:  

Profiles of specific people, companies, or nonprofits. Stories framed in this way have to have a really strong takeaway and they can't read too much like a press release.

First person narratives—these CAN be amazing, but they're often too niche, meandering. They say a lot without saying a lot. They also tend to get pitched without a strong scientific backbone (studies, illustrative examples, suggested sources).

I tend to often get a lot of very evergreen explainers. These should be truly surprising or they should be an in-depth take on something happening in the news/online.

This can be a little harder to describe, but story pitches that could be reports get a pass. If your article is summarizing an issue/dynamic I could currently read about on a UN website or WebMD, I'm likely to pass.

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):

• Submissions: sarah.gibbens@natgeo.com

• Website: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

• Learn more about the publication: National Geographic is a media organization focused on topics like science, exploration, history, culture, and the environment. It produces content through print, digital platforms, and television, providing coverage of natural and human-driven events worldwide. Known for its photography and in-depth features, the platform aims to inform and engage global audiences with a focus on conservation and education. More information here.

• Read through its selection of recent articles/stories, categorized into: Environment, Sustainability, Biodiversity

• Review the submission guidelines here. Note that these are the publication's general guidelines to help you refine your pitch. You must still follow the editor's specific instructions above.

• 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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