Pitching your story or idea:
Pitches should be emailed to editor@bigissue.org.za
We do accept unsolicited material, however this is at the discretion of the editor. Unsolicited material will only be considered if it is polished, fits the tone and style of the magazine and falls within standard word counts (roughly 600-650 words for one page and up to 1,200 for two-page stories).
Writers are also encouraged to pitch their story concepts by email. Pitches should be one paragraph long and contain a topic sentence, a sample introductory sentence and give the story angle, writing tone, a list of possible interviewees (if appropriate) and whether or not photographs and/or illustrative material is available. Note that if a story idea is event-based it must be pitched well before the event takes place.
When pitching stories for the first time, sending copies of your previously published work is advisable.
Note that if the pitch is of interest, you will be called or emailed for further discussion.
What we look for:
We advise writers to read recent copies of The Big Issue in order to gain a good idea of the type of stories run and the style of writing preferred. Keep in mind that we are an independent publication and are thus able to run stories other magazines and newspapers might not be able to publish.
As well as our core content (current affairs and social issues), we're also interested in stories focused on street culture and quirky, humorous or unusual topics. Whether you want to contribute satire, hard news, travel articles or investigative journalism, the most important thing to remember is that we are want all stories to have a "human face". Serious topics need to be tackled in such a way as to keep the reader interested; dry, fact-laden reporting is to be avoided.
Payment terms:
The standard rate of pay for features and news stories is R1 a word. The Big Issue does not guarantee payment until the piece is published, and payment is made according to the final length of the edited article. Payment cannot be made until the contributor has submitted an invoice.
All invoices must include:
- Date
- Name
- Address
- Bank details
- What the invoice is for (including edition number)
- Individual tax number
Please note: The Big issue deducts PAYE tax in accordance with national tax legislation.
Submitting your story:
Please email your story as a Word attachment to editor@bigissue.org.za. No submissions by fax or post will be considered.
Contributors must ensure submissions are their own original work and that publication by The Big Issue will not contravene the rights of any third party.
Photographs are normally commissioned, but we do accept unsolicited photographic submissions. Rates vary.
