SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN welcomes ideas for news, features, opinion and analysis articles on recent scientific discoveries, social and policy issues, technical innovations and overviews of impactful research. Our authors are scientists who have extensive knowledge of the field or journalists with the experience and background to deeply explore the topics they propose to cover.

News Articles

Pitches sent to Scientific American should be about two to four paragraphs in length and should clearly state:

• What is the central premise, thesis, or point that the proposed story will make that will set it apart from previous related articles in Scientific American or any other publication? This should be stated as one sentence, or at most, two, right at the top of the pitch. (We strongly suggest that before sending a pitch, authors conduct a very thorough search of any previously published related material and show in a pitch how their idea is different or takes the story forward).

• With whom will you speak to get information and comments to back this up?

• With whom will you speak for an independent and potentially critical perspective?

• What type of research or background information will you provide for this story, and what other points or conclusions, if any, will be made?

• How many words and what time frame do you propose for this story?

Please avoid, to the extent possible, referring to hyperlinks within a pitch. Thanks!

Please see our directory to identify the most appropriate editor for a pitch and contact them directly.

Feature Articles

We are always looking for deep-dive explorations of new developments in science and technology, articles that use empirical research to make sense of societal change, and narratives propelled by character and conflict. We strive to publish stories that use rigorous science and clear thinking to cut through hype, Pollyannaism, and doomsaying. We avoid jargon, but we tend to go deeper into processes and mechanisms of action than most general-interest magazines. Our features usually run from 2,000 to 4,000 words, and they are written and edited for curious general readers who love untangling big ideas and want smart context for what’s going on in the world.

If you’re interested in pitching a feature story, please send us a one- to two-page proposal that explains:

• What you want to write about, why it’s interesting, and why people will want to read about it now

• How you’ll tell the story (including, if you’re a journalist, a rough reporting plan)

• How your piece will advance the conversation

• Why you’re the right person to write it

Feature pitches don’t need to be formal, but they should be thoughtful and stylish, and they should show that you can pull off the story you’re proposing. They should also be self-contained: links are welcome, but please don’t outsource the work of explaining your subject to the Internet.

Please see our directory to identify the most appropriate editor for a pitch and contact them directly.

Opinion and Analysis Articles

We welcome pitches and drafts from informed observers and scholars at all levels, as well as policy professionals at government organizations and nonprofits. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups in all fields of science and technology to submit ideas.

Opinion pieces, whether they be a personal essay, commentary on something happening in science or an analysis of recent events or research findings, should contain a clear statement expressing your view. You should back up claims with evidence. Please use an active voice and a conversational tone and explain concepts without jargon. Think of it as explaining what you do for a living or what your interests are to curious people at a dinner party. Pieces are approximately 1,000 words long and include a short bio.

Your essay should not be promotional. We don’t accept submissions about specific products, companies or singular research findings. Rather, we prefer pieces that explain your work within the broader context of your field. You will be asked to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Please support your opinion with original research, reports or news, as needed.

Anyone can submit your essay or pitch on your behalf, but we do not accept ghostwritten pieces. We expect to work directly with the writer or writers to prepare the essay for publication. Scientific American has a rigorous editing process—nothing is published as submitted.

To propose an essay, e-mail a short pitch to opinion@sciam.com. In your message, please include:

·       A short description of the subject or issue you want to explore

·       A summary of your main argument

·       What makes your argument different or unique

·       How you will support your claims

·       What your expertise is in this subject 

We will reach out if we decide to commission your piece. Thank you.

Poetry

Submissions to the Meter poetry column should be addressed to Scientific American’s Meter editor Dava Sobel at dsobel@sciam.com. Poems can cover any aspect of science or math but must be new work or at least previously unpublished.