Writer Guidelines

About RE:PUBLIC

RE:PUBLIC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to independent, investigative reporting on America’s public lands and waters. We believe that these 660 million acres and thousands of miles of coastline are among our nation’s most important assets, vital for recreation, wildlife, clean water, and cultural heritage. Yet too often, the policies shaping their future happen outside of public view. Our mission is to change that through journalism that is compelling, credible, and impactful.

What We’re Looking For

At RE:PUBLIC, we see journalism as both a craft and a public service. If you have a story that can bring America’s public lands—and the policies that shape them—into sharper focus for millions of readers, we want to hear from you.

RE:PUBLIC seeks deeply reported stories that combine two essential qualities:

  • Narrative drive that pulls readers in with vivid characters, scenes, and storytelling
  • Policy-impact reporting that exposes, explains, or illuminates decisions and debates and that demonstrates real consequences about how America’s public lands are managed

We are not interested in travelogues, gear reviews, or surface-level summaries. We want pitches that reveal something new, challenge conventional wisdom, or aim to hold institutions and power brokers to account.

Examples of the kinds of work we commission:

  • An investigation into how private equity firms are reshaping access to lands bordering national parks
  • A narrative feature following tribal leaders as they negotiate new models of comanagement with federal agencies
  • A data-driven look at how the rollback of environmental regulations on Bureau of Land Management parcels is impacting wildlife habitat
  • A reported essay exploring the human toll of homelessness on public lands—and the policy failures behind it

Who Should Pitch

We are looking for experienced journalists with a track record of producing longform features, investigative work, or ambitious narrative nonfiction. If your background is in environmental journalism, policy reporting, or outdoor media, that’s a plus, but above all we value strong reporting skills, compelling writing, and an ability to think big.

How to Pitch

Please send thorough pitches that include:

  • A clear story idea: what it’s about and why it matters now
  • Relevance to public lands: how the piece connects to RE:PUBLIC's mission
  • A reporting plan: key sources, access, and data you’ll pursue
  • Narrative vision: what will give the story emotional resonance and keep readers engaged
  • Your background: links to previous work that demonstrate your ability to deliver

We encourage you to explain both the policy stakes (what decision-makers, agencies, or laws are involved) as well as the human stakes (anyone whose lives are affected).

Logistics

  • Length: Most of our features run between 3,000 and 8,000 words. Shorter reported essays or explainers are also considered.
  • Payment: We pay competitive rates, commensurate with a contributor's experience and the scope of the assignment.
  • Editing process: We work closely with writers through reporting, drafting, fact-checking, and revisions. Expect rigorous editing aimed at sharpening both narrative and impact.
  • Rights: We retain first North American serial rights and typically copublish with partner outlets to maximize reach.

How to Submit

Pitches can be sent to editors@republic.land with the subject line: Pitch: [Your Story Title]. Please allow up to three weeks for a response.