Nieman Reports covers thought leadership in journalism and is one of three publications published by the Nieman Foundation at Harvard University.
We welcome pitches for deeply reported feature stories that offer insight and analysis on the challenges and opportunities facing journalism today. Features typically run between 1,200 and 3,000 words, sometimes longer if the material warrants it. We also publish opinion columns, which run anywhere between 800 and 1,200 words.
Our feature stories typically address issues impacting the future of journalism, such as the need for more diversity in photojournalism and efforts to improve coverage of women’s sports; chronicle best practices in specific areas of coverage, such as covering Islam and climate change; explore the emerging business, technological or narrative trends, such as news outlets telling stories about — and for — Black communities and automation in the newsroom; or examine journalistic ecosystems in particular countries or continents, such as these pieces on Russia and investigative journalism in Africa.
To pitch a story, send a brief email to the editor at nreditor@harvard.edu, including:
- A precis of the piece, including the main themes and a representative list of sources you would contact, works you would examine, and/or news outlets you would profile. If you propose writing about particular pieces of journalism, please include links.
- A quick summary of why the piece is relevant now.
- If you are new to Nieman Reports, a very brief bio of your role or interest in journalism.
- Make the subject line of the email: Pitch for Nieman Reports
Our rates are $250 for opinion columns and $1/word for features.
Nieman Foundation’s other publications are Nieman Storyboard, which explores the art and craft of nonfiction storytelling, and Nieman Lab, which reports on digital media innovation.