Pitching

What We Publish

We’re interested in original ideas and clear, compelling writing that breaks down complex subjects for an engaged but non-expert audience. The best guide to what we might like is to look at what we have published to date. When drafting your pitch, make sure to tell us what’s going to happen in your story, not just what it’s about. 

To be considered, pitches must include a 2-4 paragraph summary of the contribution's argument, an author bio, and a brief explanation of why the piece is right for The BREAK—DOWN. For photojournalism, we require either samples of the photos you want to submit, or a clear outline of the proposed story and samples of previous work.

Please note submissions are currently CLOSED. We hope to reopen them soon—subscribe to our newsletter or check this page for updates.

We publish twice-yearly themed print issues featuring critical writing that explores how capitalism both shapes, and is being reshaped by, climate and ecological crisis. Our issues primarily feature long-form essays of approximately 3,000 words, but we are also interested in photojournalism, reporting and other formats.

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Digital

We publish digital-only pieces on our website and bi-weekly newsletter on a rolling basis. 

These need not be as focused on a particular theme, although a clear relationship between the topic and climate or ecology is necessary. Pitches may be for interviews, essays, debates, reading guides, etc, as well as literary non-fiction. Online essays will be paid at 20p per word, typically to a maximum of £350.

SUBMISSIONS FOR ONLINE PITCHES ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.

How to Submit

Please send pitches to pitching@break-down.org including 'ONLINE' or 'ISSUE 3' in the subject line. To be considered, pitches must include a short (one or two paragraph maximum) summary of the essay's argument, a short author bio, and a brief explanation of why the piece is right for the BREAK—DOWN.

We aim to reply to as many pitches as possible; however, we are a small team and may not always be able to provide a response. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of submitting for digital or two weeks of a specific issue submission deadline, please assume your piece has not been accepted on this occasion.