How to Pitch Vox — Pitching Guidelines

ARCHIVED 2022-09-28, DATE APPROXIMATE · VERSION 20220928_rev01 · COMPARED WITH 20211021_rev01

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 Put all of this in the body of your email - no attachments, please - and remember that how you write your pitch gives editors insight into the quality and style of your writing. We rarely accept already-written pieces, as we like to work with writers on shaping their stories from start to finish.
 We are _not_ looking for:
 - Q&As, unless you have access to a hard-to-get subject and a compelling reason to use the Q&A format
 - Traditional reviews of books, TV shows, movies, albums, or other cultural products
+- Shopping roundups, how-to guides, or other types of service journalism
+- Shopping roundups
 - Manuscripts or academic papers
+What _are_ we looking for? Read on for section-by-section instructions.
+What _are_ we looking for? Read on for section-by-section instructions. Please note that many sections are not currently taking freelance pitches, but that we update this page regularly.
+#### [The Goods](https://www.vox.com/the-goods)
+#### [Even Better](https://www.vox.com/even-better)
+We're actively seeking contributors to our [Best Money I've Ever Spent](https://www.vox.com/2019/2/1/18205670/best-money-ive-ever-spent) essay series, where writers explain what purchases have brought them the most value. Subjects can range in price and scope; we've commissioned pieces about [top surgery](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/12/18/18141006/daniel-ortberg-essay-top-surgery) and [work visas](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/2/26/18235347/us-work-visa-o-1) as well as a $2.75 [ride on the NYC ferry](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/1/29/18182206/nyc-ferry-ride-best-spent). This is not a product recommendation column; what's most important is that the purchase was significant to you - it came at a pivotal moment in your life, or helps explain who you are and how you got to be that way. We want to shed light on cost, too, and what it means for something to be worth it, so do be prepared to write candidly about money and your relationship to it. To pitch, email [bestmoney@vox.com](mailto:bestmoney@vox.com) with a brief description of what you bought, how much it cost, and what it meant to you.
+Even Better is Vox's home for service journalism, where we strive to answer the questions readers have about living better lives - sometimes before they even know what those questions are in the first place. We're looking for pitches focused on the following topics: parenting, work and money (although we stick more toward the emotional end of the spectrum, rather than straightforward personal finance advice), mental and physical health, and relationships of all types.
+We're also on the lookout for smart, reported stories about the things we buy and the way we present ourselves. The Goods is concerned with the economies and life cycles of all things purchasable, including but not limited to [fashion and beauty](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/3/18/21165135/deciem-the-ordinary-skincare-brandon-truaxe), [transportation and travel](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/10/21/20905485/iceland-overtourism-reykjavik-blue-lagoon-northern-lights), [food and drink](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/9/19/17874782/cauliflower-trend-vegetarian-paleo-rice), [fitness and wellness](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22195549/soulcycle-decline-reopening-bullying-bike-explained), and [tech](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/9/4/20841475/etsy-free-shipping-amazon-handmade-josh-silverman). We're also interested in [self-presentation](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/8/1/20748707/egirl-definition-what-is-an-eboy) and [the culture of appearance](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/2/13/21125464/brow-lift-botox-bella-hadid-ariana-grande-kylie-jenner), as well as general [aesthetics and design](https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/9/10/17787856/navy-brass-interior-design-trend); for these subjects, we accept both feature pitches and pitches for our trend column [Noticed](https://www.vox.com/2019/2/1/18205669/design-fashion-home-shopping-trends). To pitch, email [thegoods@vox.com](mailto:thegoods@vox.com).
+Some recent examples of successful stories include a guide to enjoying a social gathering [if you're someone with a low social battery](https://www.vox.com/even-better/23297099/introvert-party-socializing-energy); advice on [how to fall back in love with reading](https://www.vox.com/even-better/23269893/start-reading-ritual-books); and the case for [caring less about petty things](https://www.vox.com/even-better/23216083/caring-less-perfectionism-small-stuff). What these pieces have in common is deep reporting, thorough and diverse sourcing, unexpected takeaways, concrete and actionable advice, and a warm, accessible yet authoritative tone. To pitch stories between 1,000 and 2,000 words, email [evenbetter@vox.com](mailto:evenbetter@vox.com).
+#### [The Highlight](https://www.vox.com/the-highlight)
+The Highlight is Vox's features section, exploring a wide range of topics with in-depth reporting, character-driven accounts, and colorful writing. We're in search of pitches for deeply sourced narrative longform that uncovers untold stories, as well as for 2,000- to 3,000-word zeitgeist-y pieces that smartly capture how we live now. Some recent examples include a longform feature on a [rash of illnesses](https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/21242299/outbreak-girlstown-chalco-world-villages-villa-de-las-ninas) that befell a Mexican boarding school; a piece on the complex nature of the American obsession with ["it" dogs](https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/22369273/frenchie-doodle-designer-dogs-problems-breeder-shelter); an unexpected and unexpectedly emotional story on [inheritance](https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/22320272/inheritance-money-wealth-transfer-estate-tax); and a series of articles on the [modern state of museums](https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/21557286/museums-issue). To pitch, email [thehighlight@vox.com](mailto:thehighlight@vox.com).
+#### [Future Perfect](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect)
+We're seeking pitches for our [Future of Meat coverage](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect-future-of-meat), where we examine the consequences of industrialized meat production and the policy, advocacy, and business solutions to address it. We are eager for stories that explain how factory farming is a people problem - for [the environment](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/22379909/big-meat-companies-spend-millions-lobbying-climate), [meatpacking plant workers](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2021/1/26/22250391/joe-biden-animals-line-speeds-chicken), [farmers](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect-podcast/21363914/chicken-factory-farming-debt), [rural communities](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/9/16/21430837/future-perfect-podcast-season-3-north-carolina-cafo-pig-farm), and consumers. We are also interested in stories about [broader trends in the plant- and cell-based food sectors](https://www.vox.com/2019/5/28/18626859/meatless-meat-explained-vegan-impossible-burger), as well as stories that explore [moral philosophy](https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/22373580/animals-intelligent-smart-orcas-chickens) and social science research around [meat consumption](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/11/10/21363336/vegan-meat-alternatives-technology-melanie-joy) and [the treatment of animals](https://www.vox.com/22409717/animal-rights-welfare-vegetarian-vegan-animal-law).
+We are not looking for stories about vegetarian cookbooks or plant-based product launches or startup funding rounds. We are also not looking for narrow stories about particular campaigns or undercover investigations, though we are open to narrow stories that serve as an [entry point to explain a larger issue](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/22331708/eggs-cages-chickens-hens-meat-poultry). We also occasionally consider pitches around other [Future Perfect topics](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect), such as global health and poverty, universal basic income, pandemics, and philanthropy. Please reach out at [futureperfect@vox.com](mailto:futureperfect@vox.com).
+#### [Science](https://www.vox.com/science-and-health)
+Our [Down to Earth initiative](https://www.vox.com/22375394/biodiversity-crisis-explained-down-to-earth) is looking for future-forward pitches on the science, politics, and economics of the global biodiversity crisis; we want stories geared toward reckoning and responding to this multidimensional issue, not just cataloging species loss. We're especially keen to run reported articles with a focus on intelligent responses and accountability; stories that center Indigenous knowledge and stewardship; and work that explains why [a radical rethinking and prioritization of conservation](https://www.vox.com/22382333/michelle-nijhuis-beloved-beasts-wildlife-conservation) is needed. We aim to explain, for example, the policy and cultural forces behind the bizarre push to [kill more of Montana's wolves](https://www.vox.com/22371558/montana-wolves-hunting-deer-elk-moose), the [hottest number in conservation](https://www.vox.com/22369705/biden-conservation-biodiversity-collapse-30-by-30) being rooted more in politics than in science, and the ongoing [plight of the Amazon rainforest](https://www.vox.com/22409783/jair-bolsonaro-amazon-brazil-deforestation-trees-climate-change-2021).
+We are not looking for stories simply about cute wildlife and "pristine" nature, or focused solely on mass extinction or losing individual species. After all, biodiversity is about abundance ([billions of cicadas](https://www.vox.com/22385700/brood-x-cicadas-birds-forest-ecosystem), anyone?), healthy functioning ecosystems, and cultural diversity, too. If you have an urgent, compelling biodiversity story burning a hole in your notepad, do reach out at [downtoearth@vox.com](mailto:downtoearth@vox.com).
+#### Visuals
+Visuals at Vox means photography, data viz, illustrations, comics, mixed media, infographics - anything that isn't words that offers clarity to our audience. A strong visual pitch for us involves answering one narrow question, visually; these questions center their subjects and often sit at the intersection of themes like identity, race, economics, politics, religion, and science. Stories that originated with visual pitches include pieces on how [New York City's Times Square performers](https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/22260074/times-square-naked-cowboy-costume-economy) have been affected by the pandemic, what [life looked like for an imam](https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2020/5/13/21251467/covid-coronavirus-muslim-funeral-new-york-city-burials-islam) during the early days of Covid-19, and what it means to have a [Black Lives Matter movement in an all-white conservative enclave](https://www.vox.com/21310027/black-lives-matter-protest-2020-california-simi).
+Do not pitch us stories trying to demystify a stereotype; these often amplify the stereotype and are counterproductive. To that end, we are especially interested in photographers seeking to tell stories about their own communities. Pitches can be sent to [visuals@vox.com](mailto:visuals@vox.com).
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 ## How we'll work together
 If we're interested in your pitch, we'll discuss rates, deadlines, scope, kill fees (if applicable), and other expectations with you upfront. We'll also discuss potential expenses, travel, or risks and provide press credentials when necessary.
+We appreciate all pitches but are not able to respond to every one. Please note that we often receive pitches that are similar to each other or to our existing assignments.
+We appreciate all pitches but are not able to respond to every one. Please note that we often receive pitches that are similar to one another or to our existing assignments.
 If we decide to work with you, you'll receive an agreement with key terms clearly defined. We typically use a freelance management platform called Shortlist where you'll find your agreement. It will also generate an invoice for you and show you payment status.
 We believe clear, thoughtful communication is both our responsibility and yours. We expect you to follow our [Vox Media Values](https://www.voxmedia.com/pages/vox-media-values), which include collaborating well, and to give and receive feedback respectfully. We follow those standards, too: If you experience a problem in working with us, we encourage you to discuss it with your editor or our legal team. We also offer a hotline for reporting concerns about conduct anonymously.
 We'll provide an edited draft before publication. We'll appropriately credit you and other contributors. After publication, we will pay in a timely manner as specified in your agreement (typically within 30 days via our Shortlist platform), including reimbursement for any agreed-upon expenses.