Discover Freelance Market Guide

Fees: The pay rate starts at $1/word for the print magazine and $300 for web articles. Print features are typically between 1,800 and 3,000 words, while web stories are usually between 600-1,200 words. The print magazine also runs 1,200-word articles for its columns, two of which will interest health writers. One column is called “Vital Signs,” about medical mysteries, and the other is called “Piece of Mind,” about psychological and neurological research twinned with a personal life experience.

Submit to: Erin Berge, eberge@discovermagazine.com, for web feature pitches; Timothy Meinch, tmeinch@kalmbach.com, for print feature pitches; Alex Orlando, aorlando@discovermagazine.com, for “Vital Signs” pitches; and Meinch, for “Piece of Mind” pitches.

Website: www.discovermagazine.com

Owner: Kalmbach Publishing Co.

Readership demographics: “Discover’s core audience is anyone interested in expanding their understanding of the world through the lens of credible and nuanced science,” Meinch says. “Some of our favorite topics include psychology, climate, flora & fauna, health & medicine, astronomy and technology.”

Frequency of publication: The magazine puts out six issues a year. The website is rolling.

What they look for in a pitch: From the pitch guidelines: “We want stories that enlighten, inform and get readers excited about science; we capture science that’s relevant to them. Our stories are grounded in research, but are driven by strong narratives, high reader interest and a conversational tone.”  Emails should contain only one pitch. They should briefly describe what is new about the story idea, the studies you would cite and the researchers you would interview. Include two or three clips and a link to your website.

• Online articles: “These pieces should focus on a larger body of research, examine trends in science and the world at large, offer historical context, or serve as helpful explainers,” according to the pitch guidelines…Generally, we are not looking for single-study, embargoed stories — but if you come across something irresistible, feel free to pitch it.”
• Print features: “Compelling characters and strong storytelling, grounded in science. Any topic that stirs curiosity, inspiration or intrigue beyond a niche audience of experts or insiders. Include your ideas for additional content like photos, art, sidebars, and infographics,” according to the guidelines.
• Feature-length Q&As with a researcher or scientist: “What about them is compelling? What’s their backstory? Get personal. How does their work affect the world? Why should the reader care about this person? And don’t forget the science,” the guidelines advise.

Most common mistake editors see with pitches: “An excessive and verbose wind-up, with no clear, punchy delivery,” Meinch says. “We try to avoid stories that are overly academic, super niche or stay within the realm of ‘how the science is done.’”

Lead time for pitching: “We typically assign features up to one year before they run in print, and most of them go through the editing process four to six months before they appear in print,” Meinch says. Online stories run on a much shorter cycle.