Pitch an article idea to the editors
We welcome your ideas. However we receive far more pitches than we can possibly use, and many fundamentally misunderstand The Conversation’s aims and audience, so please read and follow our guidance to help give your pitches the best chance of being commissioned. You might also consider taking our free, online pitching course. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee a response except to those we intend to commission. Finally please note that The Conversation’s editors spend their time chiefly, although not exclusively, working with our member institutions.
1. What types of stories are we looking for?
News and current affairs: A response to a news event (for example a political event, natural disaster, scientific discovery, piece of literature, drama or film, new report or study). Or an, analysis or perspective on a subject in current discussion, drawing upon your research expertise
New research: Explain your own work, or that of others in your field. Please remember that a subject might be academically interesting, yet not of interest to non-academics. You need to make the case as to why a general reader should want to read on.
Timeless pieces: tell an interesting story, answer an intriguing question, give a fresh perspective or insight on a longstanding or timeless issue, correct a common misunderstanding, or debunk a popular myth. Not everything we publish need be related to current affairs, but it should be original and of interest to a general reader.
Before pitching, please search theconversation.com to see what we’ve already published on the topic. Look for gaps in our coverage where you can add value.
2. Who can write for The Conversation
We only work with academics or researchers at universities and qualifying research institutes, writing within their field of professional expertise. We welcome submissions from PhD candidates, where the subject is close to that of their thesis. We do not commission authors from think tanks, NGOs, charities, industry R&D, government agencies, independent researchers, masters’ students or undergraduates.
3. Your pitch
Should establish what you want to say in a nutshell, what is new and interesting about the story, make clear to the editor why a general reader would find this interesting, and identify how your research or specialism relates to this subject. Pitch specific facts, conclusions, insights; don’t pitch a broad topic.