To submit an article effectively, first choose the right outlet, desk, and genre, then follow that desk’s current instructions. Some editors want a concise pitch before you write; others require a complete draft. A strong submission makes the story’s value clear, shows how you will report or argue it, and follows the outlet’s exact rules for format, channel, disclosure, and exclusivity.
Choose the right outlet, desk, and submission type
“Submitting an article” can mean sending a news tip, pitching a freelance reported story, proposing an enterprise feature, submitting an op-ed, or offering a finished article. These routes are not interchangeable. Start with the publication’s official submission page and identify the specific section that handles your kind of work.
Look for the publication’s audience, geographic focus, recent coverage, and stated mission. Then check whether the desk accepts freelance work in your genre at all. For example, OPB separates news tips from freelance pitches and emphasizes coverage across Oregon and Southwest Washington, including rural communities (OPB submission guidance). The Kathmandu Post distinguishes enterprise pitches and opinion submissions, and says it does not accept freelance daily reporting (The Kathmandu Post submission guidance).
For a finance-focused outlet, make the reader benefit concrete: explain who is affected, what decision or change the piece will help them understand, and why this publication’s audience should care. A broad topic such as “saving money” is less useful than a focused, reportable idea tied to a specific audience or timely development.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Set Includes: writing guide kit letter writing guide set includes a writing guide set, including 10 writing guides, 20 low vision papers and 2 thick-tipped low-vision pens for elderly people with low vision
- Various Styles: 10 template guides are divided into 5 styles, 2 sheets each, which can help low-vision users master five practical writing formats: letters, personal checks, envelopes, business envelopes and signatures
- Rich quantity: 40 low-vision papers, thick black lines and bright white paper, suitable for low-vision and visually impaired people, size about 8.5 x 11 inches/21.6 x 28cm
- Low-vision aids: bold pen tips can produce clear and easy-to-read line widths, which are very suitable for low-vision and visually impaired people
- Practical and considerate: this rich set of low-vision aids can meet the practical needs of low-vision users and can be given as gifts to those in need to express care
Find out whether to send a pitch or a finished article
There is no universal rule. The Intercept prefers proposals before completed articles, and Poynter says most of its freelance work begins with a pitch (The Intercept’s freelance pitch guidance; Poynter’s freelance guidance). Some opinion desks want the complete piece instead. The Los Angeles Times opinion instructions say not to send a pitch or partial submission, but that page is more than twelve years old; verify the current policy before relying on it (Los Angeles Times opinion submission instructions).
- Pitch first when the outlet requests a proposal, the work involves reporting that should be commissioned, or the editor needs to approve the angle before you invest in a full draft.
- Send a complete draft only when the relevant desk specifically asks for one. A finished op-ed submission, for example, may be handled differently from a reported feature pitch.
- Use a tip channel for information about a possible story when that is what the outlet’s instructions designate—not as a substitute for a freelance pitch.
When the instructions are unclear, do not assume that a general contact address is the right route. Check the relevant desk’s page or contact details and send only the material it asks for.
Build a pitch that answers the editor’s key questions
A useful pitch is concise, but it gives an editor enough information to assess the idea and your ability to deliver it. Columbia Journalism Review’s checklist asks writers to explain the story, why it matters now, how it will be reported, why the writer is suited to it, and the timing when relevant (CJR’s freelance pitch guidance).
Rank #2
- Multi-function in one: letter writing guide and envelope address writing guide.
- Multiple slots: contains 1/6", 1/4", 1/3", 4/9" and 5/9" slots for different letter sizes.
- Large size :8 inches wide for all types of letter paper and envelopes.
- A wide range of applications: wedding invitations, scrapbooking, making, CARDS, etc.
- Professional quality: good toughness, odor-free, soft and durable, translucent plastics.
- State the idea. In one or two sentences, describe the story or argument and what readers will learn. Avoid leading with a general subject area.
- Explain why now and why this outlet. Identify the news hook, emerging issue, or audience need. Connect it to the publication’s coverage rather than sending the same generic pitch everywhere.
- Show how you will make it original. Name the reporting you propose: interviews, documents, data, relevant expertise, or on-the-ground access. Be specific without promising access you do not have.
- Give the likely form and scope. State a proposed format or length when useful or requested. The outlet’s own word-count guidance takes precedence over your estimate.
- Explain why you can deliver it. Include a brief, relevant bio, links to published work, and any expertise or access that bears directly on this story. The Intercept asks unfamiliar contributors for prior-work links; War on the Rocks asks for the main argument and relevant author background (War on the Rocks submission guidance).
- Add practical disclosures when relevant. Follow the outlet’s requirements for conflicts, prior publication, AI use, timing, or compensation. Do not leave a material conflict or prior publication history ambiguous when the form asks about it.
Example pitch email structure
Subject: Pitch: [specific working headline or topic]
Opening: [One or two sentences stating the story or argument and its reader-facing point.]
Why now and why this publication: [The timely hook and the fit with the outlet’s audience or coverage.]
Rank #3
- 5 writing guides
- BoldWriter 20 pen included
- 20 sheets of low vision paper
Reporting plan: [The reporting, sources, documents, data, access, and likely format or length.]
Why me: [A short relevant bio, clips, expertise, or access.]
Practical details: [Timing, conflict or prior-publication information, AI use, or compensation request if asked for or relevant.]
Rank #4
- Write a full page at a time more easily
- Guide holds paper in place for you
- Writing template with hinged back sheet
- 13 half-inch by 7.5 in. writing spaces
- Made of sturdy plastic
This is a flexible outline, not a replacement for the outlet’s required form or fields. The OpEd Project notes that AI policies differ by outlet, so check the policy for the specific desk rather than assuming a general standard (The OpEd Project resources).
Follow the submission mechanics exactly
Small process errors can make a submission harder to evaluate or route. Before sending, check the current instructions for the channel, subject line, attachment type, word count, sourcing style, and any rule on sending the work elsewhere at the same time.
- Use the designated form, portal, or email address. War on the Rocks uses an editorial submission portal.
- Follow requested attachment and sourcing conventions. The Times Union asks for a Word file rather than a PDF for a completed article and prefers source hyperlinks over notes; its guidance also asks contributors to submit once (Times Union submission guidance).
- Send the content in the requested place. The Intercept asks writers to put the short pitch in the email body rather than attach it.
- Use the requested subject label and file type. Do not attach a complete draft when the outlet asks for a short proposal instead.
- Check whether the outlet accepts simultaneous submissions, expects exclusivity, or asks you to disclose prior publication. If the policy does not say, do not imply that the piece is exclusive.
Compare outlet policies before choosing where to send work
These examples show why a writer should match the submission to the desk rather than rely on one standard approach. Policies can change; use each publication’s official page immediately before submitting.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBest Value
- Letter Writing Guide Regular Black Plastic - This writing guide makes writing easy for the visually impaired. No more squinting and eye strain when you are trying to register. Use the writing guide with 8 1/2 x 11 unlined paper, and never worry about your penmanship again. Letter Writing Guide 3/4" H by 6 3/4" W writing area.
| Outlet | What its guidance says | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| The Intercept | Prefers a proposal before a completed article; requests a few paragraphs in the email body, a relevant subject, why the writer is suited, and links to prior work. | Send a focused pitch with clips before writing the full piece. |
| Times Union | Accepts pitches and finished work through a form; favors original reporting and analysis; gives blog and feature length guidance; requests Word for a full article and source hyperlinks. | Use its form and requested format; submit once. |
| OPB | Provides separate routes for tips and freelance pitches and highlights coverage across Oregon and Southwest Washington, including rural communities. | Choose the right route and explain the local reporting value. |
| The Kathmandu Post | Does not take freelance daily reporting; distinguishes enterprise pitches from opinion submissions. | Check that the desk accepts your article type before pitching. |
| Columbia Journalism Review | Welcomes pitches related to news media and asks what the story is, why now, how it will be reported, why the writer is suited, and timing if time-sensitive. | Address the publication’s subject area and give a reporting plan. |
| War on the Rocks | Uses an editorial submission portal and asks for the main argument and relevant author background. | Use the portal and establish fit and expertise. |
| Poynter | Says most of its freelance work begins with a pitch. | Pitch the idea first when that is appropriate to the work and outlet. |
| Los Angeles Times opinion | Its instructions request a complete draft and say not to send a pitch or partial submission; the page is more than twelve years old. | Verify the current policy before sending a finished piece. |
Be clear about conflicts, compensation, and follow-up
Disclose relevant conflicts and whether the work has appeared elsewhere when the outlet asks or the circumstances make the information material. If you are seeking payment, discuss it with the editor in advance rather than assuming a rate or treating silence as agreement. The Times Union asks writers seeking compensation to say so and says payment must be agreed beforehand.
Some publications respond only when interested. A lack of reply is not acceptance, and no general response-time or acceptance-rate figure is established by these outlet examples. Follow any stated response or exclusivity policy; if none is published, avoid repeated follow-ups and do not send the same exclusive proposal elsewhere unless you have clarified the terms.
Quick Recap
Submission checklist
- Have I identified the correct outlet, section, and genre?
- Does the desk accept the kind of freelance work I am offering?
- Have I checked whether it wants a pitch, a complete draft, a form, or a portal submission?
- Does my pitch explain the idea, its timeliness, the intended audience, and a credible reporting or argument plan?
- Have I included relevant clips and qualifications without burying the pitch in a long biography?
- Have I followed requirements for word count, file type, links, subject line, exclusivity, and duplicate submissions?
- Have I addressed any requested disclosure about conflicts, prior publication, AI, timing, or compensation?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
