Pitches wanted (investigative stories, features) | $2 per word

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: COSMOPOLITAN

Deadline: 8 April 2023

Erin Quinlan, Features Director at Cosmopolitan, is looking for pitches:

Features pitch call! Cosmo is seeking audacious reads for the magazine’s summer and fall issues. Investigative scoops, wild capers, subcultural odysseys—all fascinating proposals welcome. Target word count: 2-3000; pay: $2/word; pitch deadline: 4/8. Key guidelines below.

In general, a strong Cosmo feature ticks four boxes:

• It’s relevant to young women in the U.S.
• It’s propelled by real-life events—i.e., there’s a “plot.”
• Its raison d’être is rooted in the present day.
• No similar story exists anywhere else.

Right now I am NOT in need of topics, à la “This Subject Matter Is Newsworthy—Here Are 4 People Who Can Speak to That.” What I DO need is: “This Unforgettable True Tale Will Change How You Think About This Newsworthy Subject.” Big, enthralling stories!

Please also note that I am not commissioning personal essays, quick-turn cultural commentary, or advice-driven articles at this time.

I do my best to respond promptly to all pitches. If I still owe you an answer from who knows how many weeks ago (due to my chaos-prone inbox), I apologize! Please follow up if need be! I am grateful to every single writer who takes the time to share an idea. Thank you in advance.

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

• Questions/submissions: erin.quinlan@hearst.com
• Website: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

• Learn more about the publication: Cosmopolitan is a media brand for young women packed with fresh and fundamental intel about what millennials truly care about. It aims to deliver content that is interesting, fearlessly authentic, and unapologetically honest. More information here.
• Read through a selection of recent feature stories/articles 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.

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