Guide: How to Pitch & Get Paid to Write for Gothamist — step-by-step (Beginner friendly)

1 — What Gothamist actually wants from contributors

Gothamist runs local news, features, culture, and investigative pieces that help readers understand New York City (and city life in its network). They have publicly asked for freelance submissions and long-form features at times, and maintain a Submittable submission manager where pitches and open calls are handled. If you want to pitch, start from their editorial interests: local reporting, explainers, true-life features, investigations, and smartly reported cultural pieces. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

2 — Shape an idea that fits Gothamist

Instead of “I want to write about X”, start with a local problem, service gap, neighborhood issue or cultural angle. Good Gothamist pitches answer: who is affected, why it matters to New Yorkers, and what reporting or sources you can access.

Quick exercise: write one sentence that starts with “This Gothamist piece shows New Yorkers how to…” If it’s clear, the idea is close.

3 — Prepare samples and a mini reporting kit

Editors want to know you can finish stories and verify facts. If you’re a beginner, build a short portfolio of 2–4 examples: blog posts, published local pieces, or in-depth posts on platforms like Medium or Substack — with at least one piece showing reporting chops.

Tip: Keep one well-formatted “reporting sample” ready — a 800–1,200 word mini-piece with 2–3 interviews and clear sourcing.

4 — Fill the Submittable pitch: step-by-step workflow

Gothamist’s formal submissions are processed through Submittable. Visit their submission page and follow the requested fields. If Submittable shows “no open calls,” you can still use tips/contact emails or wait for new calls — check frequently. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

1. Open the official submission page:
   • Gothamist Submittable — check whether an open call exists.
2. Prepare the data they ask for:
   • Short pitch title (5–12 words) and a 1–3 sentence summary of the piece.
   • Target word count, reporting plan (which sources you’ll interview), and why it’s newsworthy now.
   • Links to your best writing samples and any relevant docs (transcripts, records, photo access).
3. Include a concise reporting timeline:
   • Example: “2 weeks reporting, 1 week writing — able to start interviews immediately, will provide clips within 10 days.”
4. Attach a brief bio & local credibility:
   • Mention neighborhood ties, language skills, or prior experience reporting on similar topics.
5. Optional: A short sample paragraph:

   Sample lede (for Submittable): "When the M15 added weekend-only service last year, riders across East Harlem saw commute times climb — I spoke to eight riders, two transit advocates, and obtained scheduling logs that show a 12% delay increase. This piece explains why it happened and what riders can do next." 
           

6. Submit & follow the form rules:
   • Submittable will email you a confirmation. Track your submission in Submittable and watch for editor replies.

If Submittable has no live call, use Gothamist’s Tips page (tips@gothamist.com) for time-sensitive leads and short tips. For longer features, watch Gothamist’s newsroom or call-for-features posts for special email addresses like features@gothamist.com (used historically). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

5 — Money & pay expectations

Gothamist’s pay can vary by assignment, length, and whether the piece is a short reported article or a long-form feature sold across network outlets. Historically, feature calls sometimes included flat fees or revenue-sharing arrangements; exact payments are negotiated per assignment. Always confirm payment in writing with the editor before starting reporting. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

6 — Ethics, sourcing & AI (what editors will check)

Gothamist values trustworthy, verifiable reporting. Your piece must have: clear sourcing, permission to publish quotes or photos, factual accuracy, and transparent methodology for any data used. If you use AI tools in drafting, heavily fact-check and attribute where appropriate — do not submit unverified AI-generated content as finished reporting.

Golden rule: if you would not defend a fact or quote in a live call, do not include it. Editors take accuracy seriously.

7 — Final checklist & copyable pitch templates

Copyable pitch templates

Title: How [X] is affecting [Neighborhood] commuters

Pitch (2–3 sentences):
This piece explains why [issue] is causing [impact] in [neighborhood/borough]. I'll interview 6 riders, two transit advocates, and obtain public scheduling logs from [agency]. Draft length: ~900–1,200 words. Timeline: 10 days reporting, 3 days writing. Sample: [link to published sample]
Bio: [Your name], neighborhood resident & freelance reporter. Links: [sample links]
      

Title: [Provocative clear phrase that signals reporting]

Pitch (3–5 sentences):
Why it matters, what you'll reveal, and why you can do it. Example:
This feature will trace how [policy/practice] produced [harm/benefit] across [communities]. I have preliminary documents (FOIA request pending), commitments from two city officials to interview, and a network of impacted residents. Proposed length: 2,500–5,000 words. Timeline: 6–10 weeks reporting. Sample: [links]. Payment: please advise on typical fee range for a long-form feature.
      

Use these as the body of the Submittable pitch or the email to features@gothamist.com if instructed by a call-for-pitches post. Keep language direct and reporter-focused.

8 — FAQ & resources