SUBMISSION GUIDLINES

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

We embrace and explore independent culture; people and movements that go against the grain.

We publish essays, photography portfolios, interviews, some reportage, opinion pieces and photo essays across digital and print. We also commission original documentaries and films.

How do I pitch a story?

Get acquainted with The Pomonan.
We’re constantly on the lookout for inspiring stories – from grassroots activism to emerging subculture. The Pomonan is very much a broad platform, but make sure you get a feel for what we do before pitching. Spend some time on the website.

NOTE: Don’t let the name, The Pomonan lead you into thinking “local”. We love stories from all over the earth and other planets as well.

Keep it short and sweet.
Be concise – your pitch should be around 2-4 paragraphs. Keep in mind: who or what you would like to cover; why readers will care about your piece now; how you will go about gaining access to the individuals in your story; when you can deliver the piece; what makes you right to take it on.

Think about format.
The best way to avoid your email getting lost is to format your subject line as follows: PITCH: [insert concise suggested headline]. You should also hyperlink to any relevant stats or news stories you might be referring to in your pitch. Please do not send completed stories. If a version of your piece has been published elsewhere, state that clearly, and tell us how you would make a new story unique to us. 

Pitch stories, not ideas.
A story typically has some level of news value, it is grounded in people, anecdotes, data, analysis, expert voices. It also has a defined structure. Put simply: an idea is abstract, and a story is concrete.

What kinds of stories is The Pomonan looking for?

Features: We believe in journalism from the bottom up, so access to authentic voices is a must. We want reflective pieces, with original reporting, that comment on current social and political climate, through an alternative lens – think subculture, photography, grassroots activism, ESPECIALLY PHOTOGRAPHY!

Profiles: Seek out interesting characters shaping independent culture today: artists, filmmakers, photographers, food advocates, activists, anarchists, and fashionistas. Why should we cover them now? What are they doing that sets them apart from the crowd?

Opinion: We’re looking for strong perspectives pinned to current news, delivered concisely. We don’t want to publish an opinion that’s already plastered over social media. Carve out a unique and intelligent take, and think about what makes you the correct voice to take it on.

Photo essays: Visual storytelling that exposes social inequality and promotes artistic counterculture. We're especially intrigued by underground scenes. Please consider including accompanying text and facts about your links to the subjects so that we can commission original journalism to go with your photographs.

Who should I email?

Send your pitch to the relevant person below.

Digital: 
Digital Team
submission@thepomonan.com
(We ask that you send in a word attachment or use Google Docs for formatting purposes)
(Title of Email - Features, Profiles, and Opinions)