WireTapMag.org

Can anybody submit to WireTap?

Yes! We're looking for smart, passionate and socially engaged young people who can add a unique style of writing to the mix.

Keep in mind, though, that Wiretap is dedicated to publishing journalism by, for and about young people; it's why we're here. While we often publish relevant stories written by all generations, our priority will always be 16- to 28-year-old youth and young adults.

What's a good WireTap story?

A good WireTap story is one that explains an issue pertinent to young people today. Some examples: news that affects young people (for example, the Iraq war, public education, or health care), a youth-oriented take on a national news story, or a profile of an organization or young activist that's creating change. In order to write a news report or a feature, we ask our contributors to do some basic reporting and include direct quotes from interviews conducted with people involved in the topic.

WireTap also encourages young people to tell their own personal stories. Explain to our readers how your experiences illustrate a current issue or reflect challenges faced by young people across the country.

We are especially interested in stories about youth activism, war and peace, civil and human rights, race, immigration, education, environment, culture, sustainable lifestyle, sex and relationships, media, technology and features or interviews with individuals in socially conscious careers.

We publish news reports, features, investigative stories, personal voices, op-eds, reviews and interviews. Our goal is to inform and inspire by providing reporting, opinion and analysis, and suggestions for creating change.

The ideal story length is between 800 and 1,800 words.

For useful tips on reporting, interviewing, writing and editing, be sure to check out our helpful resources for new writers, citizen reporters and bloggers.

How should I submit my story?

1. The first step is to join the WireTap community by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. Reading our stories will help you get a sense of the writing that we publish and issues that we cover.

2. You must read and follow WireTap's code of ethics.

3. Please send us a one paragraph (3-to-5 sentences) story idea before you get started on your piece. However, we will review complete drafts as well. Definitely include a resume and two writing samples or links to your work. Please send all story ideas and submissions to Submissions AT WireTapMag.org.

Do I get paid?

Yes, if we publish it. Our payments vary from $50-250 per story depending on the amount of reporting and analysis.

Can my story be about my own experiences? Or should it be more detached?

Some of the best stories we publish are based on a writer's own experiences. But there's a difference between writing your own story and reporting another story. How much of yourself you put into the story is up to you. The important thing is that you stay honest, accurate, fair, and report with integrity. Be clear in disclosing any connections you may have with the topic, organizations, or individuals in your story.

Will my work be fact-checked?

WireTap rigorously fact-checks assigments and, to a lesser extent, submissions. Our writers are still primarily responsible for the accuracy of their work, and as a non-profit media outlet, our resources for fact-checking are limited. All writers are required to submit a list of sources for all the information in your story with the first draft, as well as agree to the terms in our Writer's Contract that will be emailed to you.

Are you looking for a particular style of news reporting?

There is no one particular WireTap style, but we aim to be entertaining, informative, and hard-hitting. Every writers style may vary, but we expect our reporters to interview multiple sources for their stories, and follow the guidelines of our Code of Ethics.

It looks like most of your stories come from a progressive perspective. Does my submission have to come from a particular point of view?

Not at all. WireTap is committed to independent journalism and we encourage our writers to report every side of the story whenever possible. But do keep in mind why we are here.

WireTap is here to fill the void left by maintream media. When mainstream news media fails to perform their public duty to hold leaders accountable and give voice to disenfranchised communities, alternative journalism steps in. The issues raised in our stories challenge the status quo and, by definition, are progressive. Our editors and contributors are dedicated to fair, accurate and honest in-depth journalism about topics of concern for today's youth, and to training a new generation to make the news for themselves.

Please check out our resource guide for new and young journalists that offers tips on writing, reporting, interviewing, editing and grammar, as well as a Code of Ethics and web resources for writers.

Can I post my story on other sites too?

We encourage you to reprint your stories. All original WireTap content can be reprinted at no charge, but it must include the following tagline, "This story originally appeared on WireTapMag.org." We also requite that you notify us if your piece is reprinted at Submissions AT WireTapMag.org.

I don't have a story, but I have a good idea for a story. Can I pitch it to you?

Yes. Please send it to Submissions AT WireTapMag.org.