MC-Guide
Content Writing
Website 29: Nextcity.org
How Can You Earn Money Writing For “nextcity.org” Website
This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to nextcity.org.
You will learn what nextcity.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 Pitch and Write for Next City (Step by Step)
This guide shows you, in simple steps, how you can learn to research, plan, and pitch articles for Next City — a nonprofit news organization dedicated to inspiring greater economic, environmental, and social justice in cities.
You will learn what “Solutions Journalism” means, how to find a story that fits Next City’s mission, how to craft a professional email pitch, and how to get paid for your writing. Even if you are a student or a community advocate, you can contribute if your story is strong.
Section 1 · Understand the publication
What Next City actually wants from writers
Next City is not just a news blog; it is a nonprofit newsroom focused on solutions for just and equitable cities. They do not publish simple complaints about potholes or general political rants. They publish stories about how cities are solving problems related to housing, transportation, economics, and climate change.
Their official Pitch Page emphasizes that they look for diverse voices, including journalists, advocates, and academics. They want stories that ask: “Who is being left behind, and how can we fix it?”
Strong topics usually fit one of these buckets:
- Housing Justice: Tenants rights, affordable housing models, community land trusts.
- The Economy: Cooperative businesses, universal basic income pilots, labor rights.
- Transportation: Equitable transit, bike infrastructure in underserved areas.
- Environment: Climate resilience, environmental justice, green energy in cities.
- Tech & Society: Digital divide, surveillance, civic tech for good.
Ask: “Does this story show a replicable solution or a critical lesson for other cities?”
The typical Next City reader is:
- An urban planner, architect, or policy maker.
- A community organizer or activist.
- Engaged citizens who care about the future of their city.
Your article should be smart, evidence-based, and human. It needs to respect the intelligence of experts but be readable for everyone.
| Story Type | What it involves | Typical Length | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature / Reported | Interviews, data, on-the-ground reporting | 1,000 – 1,500+ words | Explore a solution in depth (e.g., “How Helsinki ended homelessness”). |
| Op-Ed / Voice | Strong argument, personal expertise | 600 – 800 words | Persuade the audience on a policy change or idea. |
| Short News | Timely updates on urban issues | 300 – 600 words | Quick analysis of a new law or project. |
Section 2 · The Core Concept
What is “Solutions Journalism”?
Next City practices Solutions Journalism. This is the most important concept to understand before you pitch. If you only write about how bad a problem is, they will likely reject your pitch.
The Response (The “What”)
The story must describe a specific response to a social problem. It is not just about the hero (a charismatic leader) but about the model or system they built. Bad example: “Traffic in Atlanta is terrible.” Good example: “How Atlanta is using a new AI system to prioritize buses at traffic lights.”
Evidence (The “Proof”)
You need data or qualitative results. Is the solution working? How do we know? You must look for numbers, reports, or testimonials from the people affected by the policy. Next City values rigorous reporting.
Limitations (The “Truth”)
No solution is perfect. A good Next City story admits what doesn’t work. Is the solution too expensive? Does it only work in small towns? Being honest about limitations makes your writing more trustworthy.
Section 3 · Finding Ideas
Finding the right story for Next City
You don’t need to travel to find a story. The best urban stories are often happening in your own backyard. Here is how to spot them.
- Look at what your local city council just passed. Did they ban facial recognition? Did they abolish parking minimums?
- If your city is doing something unique, that is a story for Next City.
- Pitch it as: “My city did X, and here is what other cities can learn.”
- Look for grassroots organizations. Is there a group of moms fighting for better air quality?
- Is there a tenant union buying their building?
- Next City loves stories about people power and community-led design.
Section 4 · The Workflow
Step-by-step Next City pitch plan
Once you have an idea, don’t just write the article and send it. Professional publications prefer a “pitch” first. A pitch is a short email selling your idea.
Check the Archives
Go to Next City Search. Type in your keyword (e.g., “Tiny Homes”). If they published a story on exactly your topic last week, don’t pitch it—unless you have a totally new angle.
Do “Pre-reporting”
You can’t pitch a vague idea. You need to know the basics.
- Who will you interview? (Have 2-3 names ready).
- What is the central conflict or tension?
- Is there data available?
You don’t need to do the full interviews yet, but you must know they are possible.
Identify the Editor
Look at the Staff Page. Find the editor who handles your topic (e.g., Senior Economics Editor vs. Housing Correspondent). Addressing your email to a specific person is much better than “To whom it may concern.”
Draft the Pitch Email
Your subject line should be clear: PITCH: How [City] is Solving [Problem] using [Solution] Keep the email under 300 words.
Section 5 · The Pitch Email
Writing the perfect pitch email
Editors are busy. They want to know the “Hook” immediately. Here is a template you can adapt.
Subject: PITCH: How a Minneapolis suburb is rethinking public safety without police Dear [Editor Name], I am writing to propose a reported feature for Next City on [The Specific Topic]. The Hook: While many cities discuss defunding police, [City Name] has actually implemented a new program where social workers respond to 40% of 911 calls. The result? A 20% drop in violent incidents. The Story: I want to explore how this program works, the funding challenges they faced, and the data coming out of their first year. I plan to interview [Name of Organizer] and [Name of City Official]. Why Next City: This fits your focus on equitable urban solutions and provides a roadmap for other municipalities. About Me: I am a freelance journalist based in [Location]. My work has appeared in [Outlet 1] and [Outlet 2]. You can see my portfolio here: [Link]. Best, [Your Name]
Section 6 · Ethics & Money
Reporting, Ethics, and Payment
Writing for Next City is professional journalism. This brings responsibilities and rewards.
- Rates: Rates vary by length and type. Expect standard freelance journalism rates (often between $200 and $500+, but verify current rates with the editor).
- Invoicing: Once your article is accepted and published, you will usually send an invoice (PDF) with your bank details or PayPal.
- Rights: Check your contract. Usually, you give them the right to publish, but you keep authorship.
- Accuracy: You must record your interviews (with permission) and verify all names, dates, and stats.
- Conflict of Interest: You cannot write about your own company, your friend’s non-profit, or a political candidate you work for.
- Voices: Try to interview a diverse range of people. Don’t just quote the mayor; quote the residents.