Top-Tier Publications Seeking Pitches (May 2025)

This curated list highlights current opportunities from established publications actively seeking new writers, stories, and pitches as of May 2025.

News & Current Affairs

The Atlantic

• Seeking: Deeply reported features and analysis on politics, culture, technology, and social trends
• Payment: $1-2+ per word depending on experience and assignment
• Pitch to: submissions@theatlantic.com
• Preferences: Pitches should demonstrate original reporting and a fresh angle on major stories
• Notes: Follow up after 2 weeks if you don't receive a response

Vox

• Seeking: Explainers and analysis on complex topics made accessible
• Payment: $400-700 for standard pieces
• Pitch to: firstperson@vox.com for personal essays; explainers@vox.com for explanatory journalism
• Preferences: Clear, concise writing that breaks down complex topics
• Notes: Currently especially interested in healthcare policy, climate solutions, and economic inequality

ProPublica

• Seeking: Investigative stories with public interest impact
• Payment: Competitive rates for deeply reported investigations
• Pitch to: suggestions@propublica.org
• Preferences: Stories with accountability angles and documented evidence of wrongdoing
• Notes: Include potential sources and research methodology in your pitch

Culture & Entertainment

Vulture

• Seeking: Cultural criticism, deep dives on TV/film/music, and entertainment industry analysis
• Payment: $350-800 depending on piece length and complexity
• Pitch to: culture@vulture.com
• Preferences: Sharp, opinionated writing with cultural context
• Notes: Currently seeking fresh perspectives on streaming content and emerging artists

The New Yorker

• Seeking: Literary fiction, reported features, and cultural commentary
• Payment: $1+ per word for features
• Pitch to: fiction@newyorker.com for fiction; themail@newyorker.com for nonfiction
• Preferences: Sophisticated, nuanced writing with a distinctive voice
• Notes: Extremely competitive; focused on established writers but occasionally accepts newcomers with exceptional material

Pitchfork

• Seeking: Music criticism, artist profiles, and industry analysis
• Payment: $250-500 for reviews and short pieces
• Pitch to: pitches@pitchfork.com
• Preferences: Deep music knowledge, critical perspective, and cultural context
• Notes: Looking for coverage of emerging artists and underrepresented genres

Science & Technology

Wired

• Seeking: Tech trends, digital culture, scientific breakthroughs with societal impact
• Payment: $1-1.50 per word
• Pitch to: ideas@wired.com
• Preferences: Forward-looking stories that connect technology to human experience
• Notes: Currently focused on AI ethics, climate tech, and digital privacy issues

Scientific American

• Seeking: Accessible science stories with broader implications
• Payment: $1-1.50 per word
• Pitch to: submit@sciam.com
• Preferences: Compelling narratives that make complex science understandable
• Notes: Include references to peer-reviewed research in your pitch

MIT Technology Review

• Seeking: Stories about emerging technologies and their impacts
• Payment: $1+ per word
• Pitch to: pitches@technologyreview.com
• Preferences: Access to leading researchers and companies developing cutting-edge tech
• Notes: Currently interested in biotech, renewable energy, and AI governance

Business & Economics

Bloomberg Businessweek

• Seeking: Business profiles, market analysis, and economic trends
• Payment: $1-2 per word
• Pitch to: bizweek@bloomberg.net
• Preferences: Exclusive reporting on corporations, markets, and financial institutions
• Notes: Looking for stories that reveal hidden aspects of business operations

Fast Company

• Seeking: Innovation stories, workplace trends, and profiles of disruptive companies
• Payment: $0.75-1.25 per word
• Pitch to: pitches@fastcompany.com
• Preferences: Stories about workplace innovation, leadership, and creative problem-solving
• Notes: Currently focusing on sustainability initiatives and inclusive workplaces

Fortune

• Seeking: Deep dives into corporate strategy and leadership
• Payment: $1-1.50 per word
• Pitch to: fortune.pitches@fortune.com
• Preferences: Access to C-suite executives and exclusive reporting
• Notes: Looking for stories about corporate transformation and industry disruption

Lifestyle & Personal Essays

Slate

• Seeking: Opinion pieces, cultural commentary, and personal essays
• Payment: $300-500 for standard pieces
• Pitch to: slatepieces@slate.com
• Preferences: Contrarian takes and thought-provoking perspectives
• Notes: Responds quickly to timely pitches with strong hooks

Longreads

• Seeking: Narrative nonfiction, personal essays, and investigative features
• Payment: $500-1,500 depending on length and reporting
• Pitch to: submissions@longreads.com
• Preferences: Stories with narrative arcs and compelling characters
• Notes: Currently interested in stories about community resilience and social change

The Cut (New York Magazine)

• Seeking: Women-focused reporting, essays on gender and identity
• Payment: $400-800 for standard pieces
• Pitch to: pitches@thecut.com
• Preferences: Fresh perspectives on issues affecting women and marginalized communities
• Notes: Currently seeking unique angles on healthcare, relationships, and work-life balance

This list is compiled as of May 2025. Rates, contacts, and preferences may change. Always check publication websites for the most current submission guidelines before pitching.