Pitches wanted (Disney) | 25+ cents per word

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: INSIDE THE MAGIC

Inside the Magic is the number #1 site online for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and more. Plus movie news for all of your favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars films, covering the most interesting, entertaining, and unique entertainment experiences in the worlds of theme parks, movies, TV, video games, conventions, special events, and so much more (You can learn more about our world here.)

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Inside the Magic, a leading entertainment news website is looking for innovative, creative, passionate freelance writers to pitch and write stories for our platform on an article-by-article basis.

To apply, please email your pitch and relevant writing samples to pitches@insidethemagic.net. Our rates start at 25 cents per word, and we use fixed fees. We are an inclusive platform and encourage writers from diverse backgrounds to pitch us.

At this time, we are primarily interested in personal essays and long reads that explore timely topics related to entertainment news. However, we welcome pitches on a variety of topics and encourage writers to send their ideas even if they don't fit into these categories.

HOW TO PITCH

Email your story idea to pitches@insidethemagic.net. It may take us a few weeks to return your email, so please be patient with us. If your pitch is timely, add “Urgent” to the subject line. Due to the volume of emails, we may not be able to respond to each one, but we will try. To cut through the noise, make sure to send a catchy but concise pitch.

THE BEST PITCHES INCLUDE:

• Pre-written display: Write a working headline and enticing dek for your story to grab our attention.
• A unique angle: Because we write about such popular topics, we want to know how your story will stand out from the crowd.
• Formatting and length estimates: Do you foresee a long-form narrative, a service-y roundup, a first-person essay, a spicy op-ed, or something else entirely? Share some brief thoughts on how you imagine shaping your story, along with an estimated word count.
• Reporting plan: If you’re proposing an in-depth or heavily reported piece, please include a few sentences on your research and reporting plan. We’ll be looking for original reporting whenever possible, as well as access to sources.
• Clips: Please include links to relevant examples of your previous work.

Please keep inclusivity in mind as you pitch and report. We do not accept stories on spec.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW

At this time, we’re primarily interested in personal essays and long reads.

Essays: Essays for Inside the Magic are usually assigned at around 1,200 words and explore a timely topic through your personal experience. Maybe you have a pitch about what you learned about parenting from Frozen or what you discovered about your identity while working at Disneyland or how the Mandalorian helped you grieve your deceased parent.

Long Reads: Our long reads are typically at least 2,000 words with a narrative structure, characters, and a timely hook. In these pitches, it’s important to highlight what the narrative arc will be and to bring color to any characters you plan to include. A long read could be anything from the untold story of Disney’s most popular voice actor to a first-person account of visiting Disney’s most-haunted landmarks.

Have an idea that doesn’t fit into these categories? Send it anyways! We’d love to consider it.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong writing and research skills
• Ability to write in a clear, concise, and engaging manner
• Familiarity with AP style and SEO best practices
• Experience writing for online media
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Access to sources for original reporting

RESPONSIBILITIES (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

• Pitch unique story ideas on topics related to entertainment news
• Write engaging and well-researched articles
• Format articles according to our guidelines and provide estimated word counts
• Conduct research and interviews for in-depth and heavily reported pieces
• Follow up on editorial feedback and make necessary revisions

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

Questions/submissions: pitches@insidethemagic.net

Website: https://insidethemagic.net

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