Guide: How to Pitch & Earn Money Writing for Scientific American (Step-by-Step)

Section 1 · What Scientific American publishes

Formats: features, news, opinion, commentary, multimedia

Scientific American publishes a mix of in-depth feature articles, timely news coverage, expert opinion, and commentary for an audience that includes the science-literate public, researchers, and professionals. They publish both daily web content and a monthly magazine with longer features. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Typical piece types you might aim for:

• News & explainers (short, timely — often assigned or suggested to news editors).
• Features (longer investigative or explanatory pieces with reporting and sourcing).
• Opinion & commentary (argued, timely viewpoints; Scientific American provides a dedicated submission path for opinion pieces). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Multimedia & special formats (podcasts, interactive explainers — often via editorial invitation).

Section 2 · Read the official submission instructions

What the site explicitly asks you to do

Scientific American’s official submission page instructs prospective contributors to email drafts and pitches to the addresses listed on that page. The page specifically mentions sending a draft plus a concise pitch that explains the issue you want to explore, your main argument, and why the piece matters to science or its role in society. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Important practical points from the submission page (read these on their site and keep the page open while prepping a pitch):

• Send a clear summary of the main argument and why it matters. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• If it is an opinion piece, use the specific opinion@sciam.com contact noted on the page. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Do not spam multiple reminders; editors respond if they decide to commission. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Section 3 · Shape an idea that fits SciAm

From topic -> question -> reporting plan

Scientific American is not a personal blog — it’s a magazine. Shape ideas that answer a concrete question supported by reporting, analysis, or expert perspective. Start with: “What does my article show that readers don’t already know, and why does it matter?”

Example good ideas:

• A feature explaining the limitations of a high-profile study, with interviews showing how practice should change.
• An explainer about how a new technology could affect healthcare access, with sourced evidence and counterarguments.
• An opinion that reinterprets a policy decision in light of peer-reviewed literature (if submitted to opinion@sciam.com). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Section 4 · Build a small portfolio & sample pieces

Why editors care about prior clips

If you are just starting, editors will want to see that you can finish and fact-check a piece. Publish 2–4 strong samples on your blog, Medium, TheOpenNotebook, The Conversation, or trade outlets before approaching SciAm.

Tip: include a one-paragraph “reporting note” at the end of each sample that lists your interviews, data, and any embargoed sources (if applicable). This reassures editors that you did the work.

Section 5 · Pitch step-by-step

Exact workflow: from outline to send

Follow this compact SOP when you’re ready to pitch. Keep each email short, specific, and professional.

Sample pitch email (copy + adapt)

Subject: Pitch — [Proposed Headline]: one-line nutgraf

Hi [Editor name],

I’m [Your name], a freelance science writer/PhD/health reporter (one-line bio). I’d like to pitch a [feature/opinion/explainer] titled “[Proposed Headline]”.

NUTGRAF (1–2 sentences): This piece argues that [main argument]. It matters because [who it affects / why SciAm readers should care].

WHAT I WILL REPORT (3–5 bullets):
- Primary sources: [paper DOI, dataset]
- Interviews: [list types of experts or organizations]
- Data or examples: [lab, field study, case, region]

EARLY OUTLINE (3–6 sections):
1) Lede & present the puzzle
2) Evidence and expert views
3) Counterpoints / alternate explanations
4) Practical implications / takeaways

Links to recent clips: [link1], [link2]
Draft (attached) or timeline for reporting: I can deliver a full draft by [date].

Thanks for considering — I’d be happy to revise the angle to fit your reader.  
Best,  
[Your name] — [location] — [email] — [one-line credential]
    

Section 6 · Money: pay, negotiating, and alternatives

What you can realistically expect

Exact rates for Scientific American assignments vary by type, length, and whether the piece is solicited or commissioned. Independent market guides suggest competitive rates: news and short pieces for major science outlets are usually strongly paid compared with small blogs, and feature rates are higher — often several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on length and assignment. Use those public guides to set your expectations and negotiate professionally. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Note: public pay estimates vary by year and assignment. Always confirm payment terms directly with the editor assigned to your piece. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Section 7 · Ethics, fact-checking & AI

Scientific American’s editorial standards and what they expect

Scientific American maintains clear standards: accuracy, no fabrication or plagiarism, careful treatment of sources, and transparent corrections if errors are found. Editors will expect you to back claims with primary sources and will often fact-check carefully. Read the Standards & Ethics page before you pitch or submit to ensure you follow their expectations. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Section 8 · Practical checklist & follow-up templates

Before you hit send: the final micro-SOP

Follow-up email (if you haven’t heard after ~3–4 weeks)

Subject: Quick follow-up — pitch: [Proposed Headline]

Hi [Editor name],

I hope you’re well. I wanted to follow up briefly on the pitch I sent on [date] about “[Proposed Headline]”. I’d be glad to provide more detail or adjust the angle. If you’re not the right contact, would you kindly point me to the best editor?

Thanks for your time,  
[Your name] — [email] — [one-line bio]
    

Section 9 · Resources & useful links

Official & recommended reading (click to open)

Section 10 · FAQs & troubleshooting

Answers to common beginner questions