We need you!

The Ferret is looking for compelling story pitches and new contributors for future assignments.

Story Pitches

We’re seeking exclusive stories on issues affecting the public in Scotland. These can be based on new data, numbers or information but they must tell people something new. We’re also keen to highlight human interest stories and produce longform storytelling.

The Ferret is a multimedia website and values pitches that may allow us to produce photography, video, audio, interactive graphics, maps and photography.

We’re committed to diversity and welcome contributions from people belonging to marginalised groups in society. Indeed, The Ferret has earmarked a budget to try ensure our coverage is diverse and representative of modern Scottish society.

All our writers must work to the Impress Standards Code.

How to Pitch

Please use the form below to send us short pitches of 300 words maximum. Your pitch should include:

• A concise summary of your proposed article, and why you think it’s in the public interest

• Brief information on who you are and any examples of published work

• An explanation of how your proposed piece will add to what’s been published on the issue

Please also advise a rough timescale for you to produce the article, and whether it’s a news story or an in-depth report.

Please visit our website to see our reporting to date. We publish news, features, investigations and photo essays but no comment or opinion pieces.

Payment

We pay £135 for an exclusive news story, which is also our day rate for all Ferret journalists. But for strong story ideas and investigations that need more time, we pay more, with a fee agreed after discussions on timeframes.

If you’re pitching an in-depth investigation, you should provide information on people who are willing to go on the record and what information you already have secured.

If successful with your pitch, we’ll send you an agreement governing confidentiality and editorial standards that must be adhered to.

Good luck and we look forward to hearing from you.

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