MC-Guide

Content Writing

Website 171: Alternet.org

How Can You Earn Money Writing For Alternet.org Website

This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to Alternet.org

You will learn what Alternet.org wants, how to test your idea, how to write a pitch, and how payment roughly works. You can use this like a small SOP.

Guide — How to Write for AlterNet (Beginner-friendly)

Journalism & Opinion · 01 Beginner Friendly Target: AlterNet

Practical Guide — How to Write, Pitch, and Earn from AlterNet (Beginner)

This hands-on guide explains, step-by-step, how a beginner can research, write, and pitch strong contributor pieces to AlterNet. It condenses the core submission tips, shows sample pitch templates you can copy, explains the kinds of stories AlterNet typically publishes, and lists many helpful reference links so you can learn and act quickly.

Read this like an SOP: do the exercises, collect the sample links, and use the pitch templates at the end. Links in the Resources section point directly to official pages and reliable write-for-us references.

Section 1 · Understand the site

What AlterNet is — at a glance

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Core description

AlterNet is an online progressive news and opinion site that publishes original reporting, investigative pieces, analysis, and strongly-voiced commentary on politics, social justice, environment, civil liberties, and culture. Its audience tends to be politically engaged readers interested in progressive perspectives and investigative reporting.

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Who reads it (typical)

Engaged progressive voters and activists, nonprofit and policy people, academics, and readers seeking analysis and commentary that connects news to activism and policy. Pieces that offer facts, sources, and clear arguments perform best.

Two short practical points:

Voice & angle: stronger on analysis, context, or first-hand reporting than on lightweight listicles.
Evidence: cite sources (official documents, reports, studies, interviews) and avoid vague claims.

Tip: read 3–5 recent AlterNet pieces in the section you want to write for. Notice headlines, evidence style, and how authors link to sources.

Section 2 · Article fit

What kinds of pieces work on AlterNet?

AlterNet runs a mix of: reported features, explainers that place events into policy context, opinion/analysis essays with strong sourcing, and occasional how-to or service pieces (for example: how to contact representatives, how to document violations, or how to protect privacy). If your idea isn’t clearly helping readers understand an important problem, tighten the angle.

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Good article types

Investigative or reporting pieces that reveal new facts or assemble evidence clearly.
Explainer essays that place a current event into structural context (policy, law, history).
First-person reporting from the field (on-the-ground stories supported by documents/interviews).
Action guides that help readers take civic action (contact templates, step-by-step safety tips).
Well-sourced opinion pieces that move beyond hot takes to provide evidence and links.

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What to avoid

Thin listicles without data or sources.
Pitched promotional pieces for a product, company, or cause without disclosure.
Purely opinion pieces that lack verifiable facts or sourcing that readers can check.

Practical check: if you can answer “where’s the evidence?” for each major claim in your outline, your idea will be stronger.

Type	Depth	Good for
Investigative feature	High — interviews + docs	Breaking or underreported stories
Explainer / analysis	Medium — citations + context	Policy, elections, laws, systems
First-person / field reporting	Medium–High	Human stories with documents
How-to / action guide	Medium	Voter mobilization, safety, record-keeping

Section 3 · Prepare

Research, writing samples, and a simple portfolio

Even as a beginner, you can prepare work that looks professional. The idea is to prove you can: find sources, document claims, write clearly, and meet a deadline. Start by publishing two or three strong samples (on your blog, Medium, or another outlet). These are the links you will include with your pitch.

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What a sample should include

A clear, descriptive headline and subheads.
Concise lede that answers what, who, why, and how it matters.
Named sources, links to primary documents or reports, and at least one direct quote or official stat.
Author byline with a short bio and contact link.
If relevant, a small data table, screenshot, or embedded link to documents (PDF, FOIA, GitHub).

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Where to publish samples

Your own blog (hosted or GitHub Pages)
Medium or Substack — quick to set up and share
Nonprofit newsletters or small local papers
Aggregators like Medium, Vox-style community spaces, or trusted niche blogs

Build at least one piece that shows you can find and cite documents (agency reports, press releases, court filings). That demonstrates reporting ability. If you cannot interview sources yet, assemble public records and authoritative reports and annotate them — that is valuable too.

Quick exercise: find one local policy report or press release this week. Write a 600–900 word explainer that answers: who, what, why it matters, and one clear action the reader can take.

Section 4 · Pitching workflow

Step-by-step: from idea to pitch to follow-up

This workflow assumes AlterNet accepts paid or contributor submissions via a form or email (their official pages will show the correct channel). Use this as a general SOP you can adapt.

Step 1

Read AlterNet’s contributor & about pages

Open their official contributor or write-for-us page and note:

Whether they accept pitches and the exact submission channel (form or email).
Any specific content rules (wordcount, exclusivity, content style).
How they want bios, links, or disclosures for paid content.

Step 2

Polish one tight idea — with a lede and 5-point outline

Prepare a one-sentence lede: “This piece shows why X happened and how Y can respond.” Then prepare a short outline of 4–6 sections and the sources you will use.

Step 3

Collect sample links and credentials

In the pitch include: 2–3 links to your best writing samples, links to any relevant projects or evidence, and a 1–2 sentence bio with contact info.

Step 4

Write a short pitch email / form entry

Use a short, direct style (templates below). Important: give the editor a clear reason why AlterNet readers care and what unique reporting you bring.

Step 5

Follow up once; reuse if rejected

If you hear nothing after 2–3 weeks, send a polite follow-up (1–2 sentences). If rejected, adapt the idea for another outlet and keep trying.

Pro tip: editors are busy. A concise, specific pitch with evidence links is much more likely to get a reply than a vague essay about “current events.”

Section 5 · Money & monetization

How you can earn from writing for sites like AlterNet — realistic expectations

Exact pay varies widely across outlets and over time. Some patchwork information online suggests independent progressive outlets pay anywhere from a small flat fee to higher negotiated fees for in-depth features. If money is the primary goal, treat a single published piece as both immediate income (if paid) and a portfolio asset that helps you win higher-paying freelance assignments later.

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Typical payment models

Flat-fee per article: a one-off payment for accepted pieces (amount negotiated or guided by editors).
Honorarium or stipend: smaller payments for op-eds or commentary.
Unpaid / guest contributions: some community or syndicated spaces accept unpaid posts — use carefully as exposure plays only some role.
Freelance commission: for longer investigative features, editors may offer higher negotiated fees.

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How to increase earnings long term

Use published pieces to pitch paid investigative or feature work to other outlets.
Offer to turn a long piece into a paid newsletter series or report.
Use bylines as proof to win paid consulting, speaking, or course work.

Type	Money reality	Strategy
Short commentary/op-ed	Lower fee / sometimes unpaid	Use as portfolio if you need the byline
Investigative feature	Higher, negotiated	Pitch only when you have reporting and docs
Explainer piece	Varies	Show strong sources; propose exclusive angles

Note: public reports about pay vary between sources; always confirm payment terms during the editorial negotiation.

Section 6 · Ethics & AI

Credibility rules: sourcing, fairness, and using AI responsibly

Credibility is crucial. AlterNet’s readers rely on accurate sourcing and clear attribution. Editors will expect you to be able to defend facts and to name primary sources (documents, interviews, datasets). AI tools can help you research, but every AI-suggested fact must be verified by a primary source.

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Sourcing checklist

Link to original reports, data, or government documents.
Include direct quotes for interviews and identify speakers.
Keep copies or links to evidence you used while reporting.
Avoid unnamed sources unless absolutely necessary and disclosed.

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How to use AI ethically

Use AI to summarize long reports — then verify every claim by opening the original report.
Don’t present AI-generated quotes or analysis as interviews.
If AI helped substantially, be transparent to the editor and follow their guidance.

Golden rule: assume an editor or reader may ask you to produce your notes, links, and sources. Keep them organized.

Section 7 · Pre-pitch checklist + templates

Final checklist and three copy-paste pitch templates

Use the templates below as a starting point. Personalize each — editors notice copy-paste pitches.

Pitch template A — Investigative / reporting idea


Subject: Pitch — [Short descriptive title] — reporting available (docs + interviews)

Hi [Editor name],

I’m [Your Name], a freelance reporter focused on [topic, e.g., environmental policy]. I’d like to pitch a reported piece for AlterNet titled:
“[Strong headline — 8–12 words]”

Lede (one sentence): [Write one clear sentence that explains the story and why it matters to AlterNet readers.]

Why this matters: [2–3 short bullets — new facts, documents, or people affected]

Outline:
1) Lede + context (what happened)
2) Evidence: document A and dataset B
3) Interviews with X/Y/Z (I can reach them)
4) Impact and what readers can do

Samples: [link 1] — [link 2]
Bio: One sentence — where you publish; email/phone.

I have the documents and can turn this into a 1000–1600 word feature. Happy to share clips or expand the outline.

Thanks for considering,
[Your name] — [email] — [short link to portfolio]

Pitch template B — Explainer / analysis


Subject: Pitch — Explainer: [topic] — short outline + sources

Hi [Editor name],

I’m [Your name]. Pitching an explainers piece: “[Headline]”

Lede: [one sentence summary — problem + effect]

Why AlterNet readers will care:
- [Bullet: policy consequence or civic action]
- [Bullet: fresh angle or new data]

Sections (700–1200 words):
- What is happening (quick history)
- The evidence (studies, official figures)
- Voices: 1–2 interviews or quotes
- What readers can do / resources

Samples: [link1] / [link2]
Bio: [1–2 lines]

Happy to tailor the piece to your guidelines.
Thanks — [name]

Pitch template C — Opinion / personal essay (strongly sourced)


Subject: Op-ed pitch — [Short headline]

Hi [Editor],

I’d like to pitch an op-ed: “[Headline].”

Argument in one sentence: [your thesis]
Key evidence: [one or two studies or official sources]
Personal connection / reporting: [if you have it — short]

Wordcount: 700–1,000 words. Samples: [link1]

If you like, I can attach a full draft.
Best, [name] — [email]

Follow-up note: wait two weeks, then send a single, polite follow-up: one sentence restating the headline and asking if they’d like a draft.

Section 8 · FAQ & Resources

Quick FAQs for beginners

Do I need prior journalism experience?

No — but you must be able to produce accurate, sourced writing. Start by practicing explainers with public documents and clear citations. Editors care about accuracy more than job title.

How long should my pitch be?

Keep pitches short: one-para lede, 4–6 bullet outline, and 2 sample links. Editors rarely read long, unfocused emails.

Can I republish a piece later on my blog?

That depends on the agreement. Always ask the editor about reposting and exclusivity before publishing elsewhere.

What if I can’t find the editor’s contact?

Use the official submission form if available. If not, find the site’s masthead page or use the format firstname@alternet.org if you can confirm the editor’s name — but prefer official channels.

Resources & further reading (open in new tabs):

Final encouragement: editors respond to clarity and evidence. If your idea helps a reader take action, understand a system, or exposes new facts, you’re on the right track.