Nieman Storyboard is an online resource that explores the art and craft of nonfiction storytelling and is one of three publications published by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.
We welcome pitches from professionals and students. The focus of our work is about the craft of nonfiction — stories that go behind the reporting, writing, editing, production and ethics of story work produced across platforms — or about the people producing that work. We have a particular interest in narrative nonfiction. We also welcome suggestions of published works of nonfiction you’d like to learn more about.
To pitch a story, send a brief email to the editor at editor@niemanstoryboard.org, including:
- The topic you want to write about. This could be a Q&A, annotation or analysis of single piece of published, broadcast or multimedia journalism; a commentary on a collection of works representing a certain style or approach to journalism; an interview/profile of a journalist you want to ask about his/her work; or a personal essay or analysis that explores some aspect of nonfiction craft or culture. If you propose writing about a particular work of journalism, please include the link.
- A quick summary of why the work or subject is of particular interest to you, why it is relevant and how you might approach it.
- If you are a new contributor to Storyboard, a very brief bio of your role or interest in journalism.
- Make the subject line of the email: Pitch for Nieman Storyboard
Our rates range from $150 to $400, depending on the nature of the piece.
Check out The Pitch
Want to read more about pitching stories? In its series The Pitch, Nieman Storyboard studies the elusive art of the story pitch. We talk to writers and editors about their tips, tricks and pet peeves.
Also read: 7 Fatal Flaws of Story Pitches
Nieman Storyboard posts fall under the following categories:
- STRICTLY Q&A — Behind the scenes interviews with journalists about their work
- STORY ANNOTATIONS — Deep dives into story work through annotations of a project by the journalists involved
- STORY CRAFT — Essays on how the craft works, and how to work the craft
- WHY’S THIS SO GOOD — Studies of standout story work, exploring what makes it special
- NOTABLE NARRATIVES — Reflections on classic stories that endure through time, or on new narratives that expand the possibility of story work
- PERSONAL ESSAYS — Insights about craft or career from personal experience
We are open to pitches that might not neatly fall under one of these categories, but still fit within the Storyboard mission. If you aren’t sure what category your idea fits, we will sort that out together. Please take time before you pitch to review the site for examples of categories and posts.
Nieman Foundation‘s other publications are Nieman Reports, which covers thought leadership in journalism, and Nieman Journalism Lab, which reports on digital media innovation.