Pitches wanted (birds, conservation) | $1 per word

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: AUDUBON'S FIELD NOTES

Deadline: 15 October 2023

Andy McGlashen, Senior Editor at Audubon Magazine, is looking for pitches:

Pitch me! I am looking for stories for Field Notes, Audubon’s front-of-book news section, where we run lean and mean pieces about the issues and ideas our conservation-minded and bird-loving readers need to be aware of.

At the moment I want pieces for our spring issue, but I’m also after stories that will be ripe for later issues, as well as evergreen ideas. They should have an interesting peg but not be so time-sensitive that they’ll feel outdated in a few months.

The format is better suited to introducing new topics and perspectives than to definitive deep-dives. Think in the 600- to 800-word ballpark. $1 per word. Let us know if your idea has strong potential for infographics or other data viz. andy.mcglashen@audubon.org

Some story types that work well, with recent examples:

1. Profiles of innovative projects or people: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/fall-2022/these-native-meadows-motown-aim-boost-birdlife-and

A local focus is great, but the piece should shed light on a problem or solution that resonates more widely.

2. Timely conservation issues or policy debates: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/summer-2022/the-great-salt-lake-too-big-and-too-important

3. Emerging science related to birds: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/spring-2023/yes-birding-does-change-your-brain

4. Notable ideas and trends in birding culture: https://www.audubon.org/news/dont-have-binoculars-go-birding-try-borrowing-pair-library

Bonus points for any pitches about removing barriers to help more people access the joy of birds.

Deadline: Mid-October for the spring issue, but we always need ideas for the section.

CONTACT INFORMATION (please do not share the email address publicly):

• Submissions: andy.mcglashen@audubon.org
• Website: https://www.audubon.org/

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

• Learn more about the publication: Audubon magazine is a journalism enterprise of the National Audubon Society with a rich history of publishing work that celebrates bird life and probe many of the most pressing issues facing the planet today. Audubon's educational programs and materials combine with Audubon Magazine to introduce schoolchildren, families, and nature-lovers of all ages to the wonders of nature and the power of conservation at home and around the world. More information here.
• Read through a selection of recent articles/stories on its website.
• 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 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 on a daily basis? 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.