Smithsonian Magazine

Smithsonian Magazine ‘’places a Smithsonian lens on the world, looking at the topics and subject matters researched, studied and exhibited by the Smithsonian Institution—science, history, art, popular culture and innovation.’’ They accept proposals from established freelance writers. When sending in your pitch for a history article, you must supply links to previously published works. While no pay is listed on their website, according to one payment report, they paid $0.23 per word. A now deleted Tweet also indicated their print rates are $2.00 per word. To learn more, refer to their print magazine pitch guidelines and website pitch guidelines.

News & Pitch Calls from Smithsonian Magazine

Tuesday, December 20th 2022

Smithsonian Magazine is Accepting Pitches

Smithsonian Magazine is a journal that covers history, science, nature, culture, the arts, travel, and technology. Their senior editor is accepting print pitches for three history-focused departments:

1. “For American Icon, the ~750-word essay that opens each issue of the magazine, I'm always looking for smart pitches that highlight some cultural product, structure, foodstuff, etc. that is uniquely and revealingly American.”

2. “For shortish features in the front of the book, I'm looking for rich narratives that involve some manner of new historical discovery or interpretation.”

3. “Single-pages — got a good Weird History story that would work in short form? A story that involves a smart graphic or infographic treatment? Hit me up!”

They are also accepting pitches for longer features including true crime, fascinating journeys into subcultures, and profiles that help us see the natural world in a new way. Their print rates are $2 per word. If interested, email scheinmant@si.edu. Read their senior editor’s Twitter thread here. Contact them here.

Friday, January 22nd 2021

Smithsonian Magazine is open for submissions

This premier magazine accepts pitches from established freelance writers for features and certain departments. They publish work on history, science, arts, travel, and innovation. According to the media kit, in May 2021, they will be running a Travel Issue. They have a print and an online section. Details here (contact form for freelance pitches) and here (editorial calendar – scroll down).


Thursday, August 6th 2020

Smithsonian Magazine is Seeking Science News Stories

Smithsonian Magazine is a journal that is published by the Smithsonian Institution (a museum, education, and research complex). They cover history, science, nature, culture, the arts, travel, and technology. Their online science editor is seeking science news stories of 1,000 to 1,200 words. Payment reports indicate that they pay an average of $0.36 per word. Send your pitches to springj2@si.edu. Details here and here.