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Pitches wanted (newsy features, big personal essays, etc.) | ~50 cents per word

Added 2025-11-15 08:59:05 +0000 UTC

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: SLATE

Jenee Desmond-Harris, Editor at Slate, is looking for pitches:

Hi writers! I’m looking to assign a couple of features for Slate before the end of the year. If you have anything in mind that you think would be a fit please send me a pitch! Email: Jenee.Desmond-harris@slate.com.

And I (personally) really love big personal essays:

The Train Wrecked in Slow Motion: https://slate.com/technology/2023/11/childbirth-death-united-states-advanced-maternal-age.html

“Cat Person” and Me: https://slate.com/human-interest/2021/07/cat-person-kristen-roupenian-viral-story-about-me.html

The Cult of Bike Helmets: https://slate.com/technology/2023/01/bike-helmets-cyclist-deaths-do-you-need-to-wear.html

Newsy features:

American Siberia: https://slate.com/business/2025/06/donald-trump-immigration-ice-raids-arrests-jena-louisiana.html

Dispatches:

The BTK Killer’s Daughter. Gabby Petito’s Parents. JonBenét’s Dad. https://slate.com/life/2024/08/crime-murder-mystery-petito-btk-jonbenet-interview.html

Everyday Purchases: https://slate.com/business/2024/12/maine-state-mass-shooting-guns-lawsuit.html

Reported arguments:

It’s the Most Hated Airline in America. You’ll Miss It When It’s Gone. https://slate.com/business/2024/10/flights-airlines-travel-spirit-cheap-bankrupt.html

CONFIDENTIAL NOTE: Reports indicate that Slate pays around 50 cents per word. It is recommended that you discuss the rate(s) with the editor upon the acceptance of your pitch.

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CONTACT INFORMATION (please do not share the email address publicly):

Questions/submissions: jenee.desmond-harris@slate.com
Website: https://slate.com/

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

Learn more about the publication: Slate is a digital magazine that publishes articles, essays, and commentary on politics, culture, technology, and current events. It features analysis, reported pieces, and opinion writing by journalists and subject matter experts. The publication explores contemporary issues through a critical lens, offering perspectives that challenge conventional thinking. More information here.
Read through its selection of recent stories/articles, categorized into: News and Politics, Culture, Technology, Business, Life
Review the submission guidelines here. Note that these are the publication's general guidelines to help you refine your pitch. You must still follow the editor's specific instructions above.
Check out our collection of pitch excerpts on this page and find more sample pitches at The Open Notebook Database and at SuccessfulPitches.com.
Do not forget to end your pitch with (1) a short introduction about yourself; (2) a few lines highlighting your writing experience, relevant credentials and publication credits; and (3) links to your strongest work or portfolio, and online profile.

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