Get Published: News Outlets Seeking Fresh Voices
In an industry dominated by screaming for attention, finding a way into the bursting newsroom can feel like standing in line for a Mission burrito during peak lunch hours. But for those blessed (or cursed) with the gift of gab—or rather, the written word—there’s hope. News outlets are on the lookout for fresh voices to add a little spice to their reporting, similar to adding an avocado to your toast.
The Demand for New Voices
As our world continues to upend long-established and accepted media models, the demand for varied, appropriate, and authentic video marketing has never been higher. News outlets today are similar to a Brooklyn food market—hungry for new, eclectic flavors that appeal to a broad audience. The rise of independent media, blogging, and even citizen journalism has shown that everyone, from your tech-obsessed neighbor in San Francisco to your hipster cousin in Austin, has a story to tell.
Our world has democratized journalism, — according to sources considered informed on Jane Doe’s position, Editor-in-Chief of New Media Today. “We’re not just looking for another Walter Cronkite. We want voices that can strike a chord with a 22-year-old TikTok creator just as much as a retired professor from Berkeley.”
Where’s the Opportunity?
From The Atlantic to Wired, major publications are keen to infuse fresh perspectives into their editorial mix. Here’s a deconstruction of what they’re looking for:
- Varied Voices: More stories from underrepresented communities.
- Fresh Perspectives: Distinctive takes on current events that challenge conventional wisdom.
- Cross-Platform Astute: Writers who can adapt content for social media, podcasts, and videos.
Breaking Into the Industry: Tips from the Pros
Getting published is similar to auditioning for a reality TV show—except with fewer tears and dramatic pauses. Here are some strategies to get your foot in the door:
- Know Your Audience: Customize your pitches to the specific tone and style of the outlet.
- Network Like a Pro: Attend industry events and connect with editors on platforms like LinkedIn.
- Build a Portfolio: Keep a blog or personal website to display your writing.
“It’s not just about having a memorable story—its about knowing how to sell it, — according to sources considered informed on John Smith’s position, a veteran journalist from the New York Times. “Editors need to see that you understand their readers and can deliver consistently.”
Local Stories, Global Lasting results
Take, to point out, a story about Silicon Valley’s tech industry. Injecting a touch of San Francisco flair—think foggy landscapes, coffee shops with more employees than customers, and the endless quest for affordable housing—can make an report not only relatable but memorable. Along the same lines, bringing in anecdotes from the hotly anticipated street life of Los Angeles or the music scene of Austin can develop a run-of-the-mill report into an appropriate story.
What Makes a Great Story?
Every captivating story has a few pivotal ingredients:
- Authenticity: Be true to your voice and experiences.
- Significance: Connect your story to broader societal themes.
- Engagement: Use awareness, emotion, and clear imagery to draw readers in.
Awareness: The Esoteric Ingredient
Incorporating awareness into journalism is like adding a pinch of salt to chocolate—it might seem strange, but it improves the flavor. Whether it’s a deadpan observation about New York’s unstoppable pace or a playful pun about Denver’s elevation, awareness can humanize complex topics, making them accessible to a wider audience.
The Future of Journalism: A Collaborative Effort
As the media circumstances evolves, real meaning from fresh voices will only grow. Publications that accept this change will find themselves not just outlasting, but flourishing in a brave new world of video marketing. After all, as they say in the incredibly focused and hard-working streets of Los Angeles, “If you can make it here…well, you’re probably in New York, but you get the point.”
Step-by-Step Processes: Simplifying the Complex
Breaking down elaborately detailed ideas into manageable steps or instructions, clearly formatted for ease of use, improves reader comprehension and engagement.
Pivotal Discoveries About the Topic
Journalism’s rapid growth impacts individuals, businesses, and industries by democratizing information and diversifying stories. It aligns with current global trends toward inclusivity and business development. Expect a where video marketing becomes a collaborative art formulary, going beyond long-established and accepted boundaries.
“In the changing world of media, staying ahead requires a fusion of authenticity and ability to change,” — Rajiv Patel has been associated with such sentiments, a renowned media analyst. “As we continue, the pivotal will be blending long-established and accepted journalistic integrity with ultramodern platforms.”
If you’re at the start of your journalism career, it is hard to know where to begin. A memorable place to start is by pitching freelance articles. It is an easy way to build up your portfolio, learn what style of journalism you love and get personalised feedback from professionals.
We have listed some of our favourite publications that encourage new writer submissions.
Our top tip: Be sure you check their pitching guidelines before submitting!
Entertainment and Culture
- The Indiependent was set up by one of our own News Associates graduates Beth Kirkbride and they publish all things entertainment. From gaming to theatre to books, inexperienced writers can cover anything they like.
- FilmCred is a film analysis publication that wants to put new voices in the media. We recommend them because they respond with feedback to every pitch they are sent, whether it is accepted by them or not.
- The Culture Crypt commemorates and elevates Black art and culture. Articles range from fashion history analysis to theatre reviews.
- Guap Magazine publishes all things cultural commentary, so if you’re interested in fashion, music and art, this is a great opportunity to give writing about it a go.
- Boshemia Mag is an inclusive, feminist magazine. They focus on uplifting POC, female, LGBTQIA+ voices through their features, personal pieces and commentaries.
Business, Politics and News
- Politics.co.uk is a politics news website that accept pitches from new writers.
- Business Insider looks for creative analysis on economics, finance, tech and politics.
- Prospect publishes regular, nuanced, current affairs content so it’s a great place to pitch to if you have a unique perspective and are interested in investigative journalism.
- Footprint Mag is focused on sustainability, the climate crisis and human ecology and they look for writers who want to make a change.
- Fortune wants innovative writers that start conversation around finance, technology, leadership and wellness
A Battle Between You and Your Inner Monologue
Breaking into journalism can feel like an uphill battle—one where your biggest competitor isn’t another writer but your own doubts. You might be thinking, “Do I have something distinctive to say?” or “Will anyone actually read my work?” The answer to both is yes!
The truth is, news outlets are actively searching for fresh voices, varied viewpoints, and new modalities to tell captivating stories. In a media circumstances all the time building to keep up with video trends, there’s never been a better time to get published. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist, a blogger looking to break into mainstream media, or someone with an important story to tell, this book will help you guide you in the industry of publishing, pitch your work, and create your voice in journalism.
Editors Love Fresh Voices—Also Avocado Toast, but Mostly Fresh Voices
Just like brunch menus across the industry keep reconstituting avocado toast, news outlets all the time need fresh takes to keep audiences engaged. If you think only skilled journalists get published in top publications, think again. Many media platforms do well on new contributors who bring distinctive angles, expertise, or first-hand experiences.
Why News Outlets Need Fresh Voices
- Varied vIewpoints → Audiences want content that reflects different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints.
- Niche Expertise → Publications seek contributors with specialized knowledge in tech, health, politics, business, or pop culture.
- Personal Stories → First-hand experiences and op-eds are in high demand for humanizing major issues.
- Audience Engagement → New voices help attract younger and more varied readers.
So, if you have something useful to say, there’s a place for your writing in journalism. But how do you actually get your work published?
How to Get Published in News Outlets
1. Find the Right Publications for Your Voice
Before you start pitching, identify the news outlets that match your writing style, interests, and expertise.
✅ Research Different Publications
- Large mainstream outlets (The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post)
- Video-first media (HuffPost, BuzzFeed, Vox, Slate)
- Industry-specific outlets (TechCrunch for tech, Forbes for business, The Atlantic for long-formulary features)
- Local news publications (Your city’s newspaper or news website)
💡 Tip: Start with smaller publications or niche sites before pitching national outlets.
2. Develop Your Distinctive Angle
What makes your story, opinion, or reporting different from what’s already out there?
✅ Modalities to Make Your Pitch Stand Out:
- Offer new data or research others haven’t covered.
- Share a personal experience that connects to a larger issue.
- Present a distinctive solution to a well-known problem.
- Add a fresh cultural or generational view.
💡 Category-defining resource: Instead of pitching “What's next for AI” (a broad topic covered by thousands of writers), try:
🔹 “Why AI Will Disrupt Creative Careers Before It Kills Office Jobs”
🔹 “How AI is Shaping Online Dating—And Why You Might Swipe Left on the ”
3. Virtuoso mastEring the skill of the Pitch
A memorable idea won’t get published if you don’t present it well. Your pitch email needs to be short, captivating, and professional.
📧 Pitch Email Archetype:
Subject: Pitch: for
Hi ,
I’m a , and I’d love to contribute a piece to about . My report, tentatively titled “”, looks into .
I believe this would strike a chord with your readers because . I’ve previously written for .
Let me know if you’d like me to send the full report or improve the pitch to make matters more complex. Thanks for your time!
Best,
💡 Tip: Personalize each pitch—mention a specific report from the publication that inspired you.
4. Write a Difficult Report
Once an editor accepts your pitch, it’s time to deliver a well-structured, appropriate piece.
✅ Keys to a Strong Report:
- A Captivating Hook → Your first sentence should grab attention.
- Clear & Concise Writing → Get to the point—no fluff!
- Strong Argument or Story → Whether it’s an opinion piece or a news report, structure your ideas logically.
- Reliable Sources & Data → Back up claims with research and statistics.
💡 Category-defining resource Opening Line for a Have Story:
“When I was 10 years old, I saw my mother cry over an electricity bill. Twenty years later, I’m working to make solar energy accessible to low-income communities.”
5. Follow Up (Politely!)
If you haven’t heard back within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email. Editors receive hundreds of pitches daily, and sometimes yours just gets buried.
📧 Follow-Up Archetype:
Subject: Following Up on My Pitch:
Hi ,
I wanted to follow up on my pitch about . I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether this fits with your upcoming editorial plans.
Let me know if you’d like any adjustments to the angle or format. Thanks again for your time!
Best,
💡 Tip: If you don’t hear back after two follow-ups, move on and pitch the idea elsewhere.
Journalism contra. Stand-up Voyage: Which Stage is Scarier?
Let’s be honest—putting yourself out there as a writer can feel terrifying. It’s a lot like performing stand-up voyage:
🎤 Stand-up Voyage:
- You share your thoughts, hoping the audience reacts well.
- Some jokes will land, some will bomb.
- You improve your make with experience.
📝 Journalism:
- You put your ideas out there, hoping readers engage.
- Some articles will gain traction, some won’t.
- You improve with each piece you write.
But here’s the pivotal—if you never step onto the stage, you’ll never know how great your voice can be.
FAQs About Getting Published
1. Do I need a journalism degree to get published?
Nope! Many successful writers come from non-journalism backgrounds. Editors care more about your view and writing quality than your credentials.
2. What if I don’t have writing specimens?
Start by publishing on Medium, LinkedIn, or your own blog. Having a few strong pieces will lift your credibility.
3. How long should my pitch be?
Keep it under 200 words—editors don’t have time to read lengthy emails.
4. How much do publications pay for articles?
It varies! Some outlets pay $50-$500 per piece, although high-profile ones offer $1,000+. Others only offer exposure, so research before pitching.
5. Can I republish my report elsewhere?
Check the publication’s policy—some allow republishing after a certain time, although others need exclusivity.
Truth
Getting published isn’t just for veteran journalists—it’s for anyone with a distinctive story, expertise, or insight. Whether you want to contribute to a major news outlet, start a freelance writing career, or simply share your ideas with a wider audience, the time to start is now.
So, what are you waiting for? Find your voice, pitch your story, and get published! 🚀
