Pitches wanted (backpacking, outdoors) | 50+ cents per word

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: TRAILS MAGAZINE

Ryan Wichelns, Founding Editor of Trails Magazine, is looking for pitches:

We still have a couple holes to fill in the first issue of Trails Mag! Backpacking-related features, trip reports, shorts, and more.

At this point our focus is on North America. Articles that focus specifically or heavily on a destination should be focused within that region. Articles where the geography is really just the setting of a different story (profiles, adventure stories, etc.) have a little more flexibility with place.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW?

As we fill in the first issue, the stories we’re still looking for are constantly evolving. Here’s what we looking for right now, last updated October 4, 2022. Stories for Issue One are being assigned right now, so pitch soon!

• Blazes: Short (250-500 word), interesting, newsy, entertaining, thought-provoking essays and stories. Quick hits. What’s the most interesting backpacking-related thing you heard about recently?
• Trip Reports: Imagine the best after-trip report you ever read on your favorite adventure forum or Facebook group. These must highlight a particularly interesting or unique experience. Either a unique type or style of trip, feature a particularly interesting locale, or include a truly compelling and exciting story. These must be well-written.
• Feature: We’re still looking for another feature story. Particularly interested in something investigative or newsworthy, something centering around a specific adventure story, articles exposing some flaw in the backpacking space or its players, profiles or unique people or brands, or other especially compelling longer stories.
• Thrilling or thought-provoking adventure stories, either your own or by profiling another person. Conflict or difficulty are important in these, as is a strong sense of adventure.
• Photo Feature: We're still looking for one more photographer to work with us on a photo-first story. Preferably something not destination- or adventure-centric. We're more interested in people, things, events, etc. than photos from that great trip you went on. This should also go beyond just being a collection of cool photos. The best ideas find a way to tell a real story and/or offer takeaways to readers through photography. These can absolutely include other non-photo elements as well.

HOW MUCH WILL I GET PAID?

Rates begin at $0.50 per word and climb based on the story and your experience. It’s not New York Times Magazine money (or what we assume is NYTM money—but we don’t know), but as one-time freelancers ourselves, it’s what we would consider to be a fair rate. We believe that’s important, even as a startup. That number will only increase as we sell more subscriptions.

Find more information here and pitch me: https://trailsmag.net/pages/contributor-information#now

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

• Submissions: ryan@trailsmag.net
• Website: https://trailsmag.net/

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

• Learn more about the publication: Trail Magazine focuses on backpacking and other human/naturally-powered means of sleeping outdoors: bike packing, canoe camping, even rafting or mountaineering in North America. More information here.
• Review the submission guidelines here.
• 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.