The District Pitching Guide
The District Pitching Guide
Text: Izzy Copestake
We’re not here to gatekeep. This is the freelancer’s guide to pitching to District Magazine.
Pitching can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. At District, we’re committed to championing fresh voices and emerging talent, so we want to break the process down clearly. Here’s what we’re looking for, how to pitch, and what to expect along the way.
What Does District Publish?
We tell stories about modern Ireland that are politically sharp, culturally tuned-in, creative, and rooted in real people’s lives. We want to champion writing that reflects the complex realities of Ireland today, especially from unique angles that are often overlooked. We don’t just want coverage; we want stories that feel alive, relevant, and urgent.
We’re interested in fresh perspectives on Irish culture, identity, housing, justice, technology, nightlife, mental health, queerness, class, sub-cultures, language, arts and the things that slip through the cracks in more mainstream outlets, or may never have been covered before. The best way to understand the kind of content we publish is to read the site and follow us for any specific callouts we may have.
How Do I Pitch?
Your pitch should be no longer than 300 words, and the subject line should read: PITCH: [Your Proposed Headline]. If you haven’t written for District before, include a brief introduction and a few links to published work. In the pitch, make sure to explain why this story matters, why now, and why it’s a good fit for District. If you’re proposing a reported feature, let us know who you might plan to interview, whether that’s case studies, experts, or artists.
What To Expect
We’re a small team at District. While we read every pitch, we can’t always respond to everyone. If you don’t get commissioned, please don’t take it as a reflection of your talent. Sometimes we’ve already commissioned something similar, have limited space, or your idea might not be the right fit for us. If you do get commissioned, we currently pay a rate of €100 per piece.
Good luck, and keep an eye on our social channels for open calls, updates, and the right email addresses to pitch to.
