Think you’ve got something worth people’s attention and want to write about it? Then you’re in the right place. STAT is invested in removing the barriers throughout journalism, publishing, freelance writing and beyond – and so we’ve put together a simple guide to pitching your ideas to us. No experience is required to write for STAT. Our own preferences are up top, and at the bottom you’ll find a glossary of terms you might come across when dealing with us (or other publications). Good luck.

Useful links:

• About Us
• The Team

I WANT TO WRITE FOR YOU, HOW DO I DO THAT?

STAT is interested in stories and writing that help to define present-day art and culture across the North-West of England. Stories based solely in Manchester city centre are not welcome (more on that below).

If your idea is outside the North-West, please do not pitch us (and waste your own time!). Unless of course, the idea is incredibly exciting, and it can somehow apply to our region. If your idea passes that test, now ask yourself the following:

1. Has this been covered before?
   Please check if we have covered your story/angle before. If it’s been a while, can you bring a fresh take? If so, then it’s worth pitching. If someone already scooped your idea of 80-year-old techno-ravers from Chorley in the previous issue, it’s unlikely to get commissioned.
   
   
2. Are you familiar with what we publish?
   We are far, far, FAR, more likely to commission your idea if you can demonstrate familiarity with our writing and style. Sometimes an idea is great, but it’s not always the right fit. Read a mixture of our articles to get a proper sense of what we do.
   
   
3. Why should you cover this topic?
   What makes you the best person to write this story? Is it because you’ve got a good angle? Unique life experience? Maybe you’ve done a lot of background research? It could be anything, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes your passion is enough!
   
   

DO YOU PUBLISH STORIES ABOUT MANCHESTER?

STAT is dedicated to fighting the over-exposure and over-reliance of Manchester as the cultural hub of the North-West. That means we don’t want stories on bee murals, trendy food stalls, or the The Haçienda. That is, unless you can tie those stories to somewhere else in the North-West in a way that’s fresh and narrative-changing. In truth, we want stories on the areas that nobody talks about.

OK, I READ ALL THAT. HOW DO I PITCH?

Send pitch emails to statzine@gmail.com with the subject line: “PITCH: [your idea].”

Please send a brief paragraph explaining your idea, why it’s important, why STAT is the best place for it, and how you’d plan on covering it. The more specific the better.

We are more likely to be interested if you:

• Have a clear plan in your pitch
  
• Can provide high-quality images
  
• Show that you’re familiar with STAT

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