Submission Guidelines
Writers interested in contributing to Boise Weekly should send complete queries, although on occasion we may consider stories written on spec. We expect writers to produce factual, accurate, interesting, finely-tuned pieces of work.
We publish content focused almost exclusively on Boise, with some exceptions made for content related specifically to Idaho.
Main Features: 3,000-5,000 words in length. Main features cover a wide-range of topics, rely on extensive reporting and may include several sidebars of information. To view the archives click here
News Features: 1,200 words in length. Political or cultural stories with multiple sources citing all sides of an issue. To view the archives click here.
Arts & Entertainment Features: Noise (1,200 words or 900 words), Arts (1,200 words or 600 words), Screen (900 words) and Food (1,200 words) features should highlight a trend, person or happening in each respective category. To view the archives, click here.
Rec Features: 1,200 words or 900 words in length. Rec features uncover what's going on with Boise's outdoor-obsessed set. We prefer "outdoor" to "sport," so the crazier, it is, the more we're likely to be interested in it. To view the archives, click here.
Columns: Unless we specifically advertise for a column opening, Boise Weekly does not accept pitches for columns.
The Do's: Craft a pitch for a story in one of the above categories. Tell us your idea, who you intend to talk to, the category in which it belongs and why you think Boise Weekly readers will be interested. Also, it's important that we know why you're the right writer for the job. If you have relevant clips to support your case, please send them along with your pitch. Thoroughly check Boise Weekly's archives to ensure that we have not recently published a similar story.
The Do Not's: Do not pitch BW a story if you are a full-time writer with another publication in Idaho. Do not pitch BW a story if you are in any way affiliated with persons or organizations about whom you are writing. We take conflicts on interest seriously and expect freelance writers to disclose any personal ties so as to uphold our editorial objectivity. Do not pitch a new business profile.
The fine print: Once your pitch is accepted by the appropriate editor, Boise Weekly will negotiate a per-word pay rate. Freelancers will be expected to sign a contract, which secures Boise Weekly's rights to the work.
E-mail your pitch to editor@boiseweekly.com.
