Pitching to New Internationalist

We welcome story pitches for our website and print magazine: our articles range from features on under-reported topics and struggles in the fight for global justice, to punchy comment pieces and radical and solutions-focussed analysis with an international – or internationalist – perspective you won’t see elsewhere.

The topics we cover span social justice, global inequality, the environment, workers’ rights, feminism and liberation struggles, tech, politics and more. We particularly welcome pitches from those whose voices are often under-represented in Western media.

In the magazine, we generally publish articles between 800-2,000 words in length. However there’s also space for shorter pieces in our opening news section ‘Currents’, home to stories on international politics and social change. Occasionally we publish investigative reports and in-depth features of up to 5,000 words. When pitching for the magazine, please note that we publish every two months and commission well in advance so stories must remain relevant at the time publishing. Web exclusive articles can be more timely - please indicate time sensitive web stories in your pitch.

Before pitching, please familiarize yourself with our print magazine and website, writing style, and the type of stories we cover. More on that below:

• Web Features: Our web features range from 800-1,200 words and cover major stories in the news cycle or hot current affairs topics through a unique combination of deep analysis and internationalist, progressive, pluralist politics.
• Currents: Our magazine’s upfront news section, made up of short dispatches - the longest is 500 words. We like under-reported stories, set often (but not exclusively) in the Global South, that look at upcoming elections, workers’ struggles, new technology, human-interest stories, social movements, activist campaigns, arts & culture, conflicts and more.
• Spotlight: Spotlight is a profile of an artist or a group, not a review of them or their work. We usually avoid spotlighting journalists or documentary film-makers.
• The Long Read: This can be an in-depth report or investigation, sharp analysis, a photo story, or an extract from a non-fiction book. Our Long Reads are usually 3000-5000 words.
• What If? This is the section of the magazine for well-reasoned blue sky thinking. This short one-page column explores an idea that could change the world for the better.
• The Interview: This section features anyone from big name thinkers to activists making a difference to their community and explores their inspirations and motivations.
• Comment: This section is for hard hitting pieces of writing that make original, well-researched political contributions in up to 1,500 words. Pitches should touch on the core issues of the magazine, answering questions such as: How do we tackle decolonise the international economic system? How do we fight the far right? How can we build better movements across borders?

We also commission features outside of these sections. If you have another feature idea please select ‘Other’ in the drop down menu below.

Due to our small team and the high volume of pitches we receive, we regret that we can only respond to successful pitches, usually within 10 days of submission (sometimes longer for magazine submissions).

We are a not-for-profit co-operative and we regularly review our fees to contributors, with particular reference to the National Union of Journalists in Britain. We typically pay £0.27 per word.

Structuring your pitch

When submitting a pitch to us, please include the following details, and try to keep it under 300 words.

• The Story: Start with a compelling lead. The content will depend on the format of your piece - for example, features may have an anecdotal or descriptive lead, whereas Currents pieces generally have a straight news lead. Add one or two short and succinct paragraphs to flesh it out further, making sure to include key information and potential sources. Ask yourself: Why does this story matter, to whom does it matter, and why does it matter now?
• What makes this piece different?: This section should be short but informative. Tell us what’s already been said or written on the subject, and explain how your coverage will be different.
• Your bio: Introduce yourself and tell us why you’re the right person to write this story. Please include your location, your website and social media handles (if applicable) as well as your specific expertise or experience on the topic and some examples of your work.
• Length and deadline: Finally, tell us how many words you envision for the story and how long it will take you to complete.

Please submit all pitches using the form below: