ONLINE NON-FICTION MARKET

Make a note of this date

A digital magazine of long-form narrative journalism, 1843 is a sister magazine of The Economist, which was founded on that date, and ‘tells stories from the ground up, usually with people at the heart… we give equal weight to beautiful writing, meticulous reporting and intellectual robustness’ say guidelines.

Pitches are invited from around the world. They should be more than just a subject and have stories at their heart to draw readers in. ‘You should have an idea of a narrative, a character or group of characters you want to bring to life and an incipient sense of the scenes that might structure the feature’. Not wanted are reviews, opinion pieces and news stories or analysis that would be more fitting for its sister magazine.

Features often range from 3,000-6,000 words and editors will spend time working with you to develop a story. Original illustrations or photographs are commissioned for every feature.

Also invited are pitches for shorter features of a fast turnaround nature that capture an atmosphere and are told through a single character saying what it feels like to be part of, or witness to, a major news event. This can be a personal narrative.

Interviews are of 1,600 words with someone who is a household name or international standing doing something they love so. Suggestions are that the person may be from the worlds of politics, business, sport or screen. Pitch an idea only if you have access to the interviewee.

Slang has short, funny pieces of slang from around the world on a particular theme. See website to read recent themes. The slang phrase should say something surprising about the place it originates or the people who use it.

World in a Dish is for 600-1,000 word stories on the past and present of a particular food or dish, preferably familiar, and a piece should have a ‘strong, surprising argument at its heart’.

Rewind features are of approximately 1,200 words and retell a story from history which has parallels or lessons for today.

Brand Illusions is a column unpicking how brands try to influence us. Mention the brand’s trick or marketing ploy in your pitch.

Pitches for the various sections are made to different people so check website for the relevant person and their email.

Website: www.economist.com/1843/2019/12/18/ pitching-guidelines