Frequency: Quarterly
Background: Foreign Policy was created in the 1970s by Samuel Huntington, chairman of the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, and a group of international relations scholars. Its initial target audience was diplomats and scholars, but in the early 2000s the focus shifted to a more general audience who were craving information about the political and diplomatic world outside of the United States.
The publication has a large readership beyond the U.S. borders, and “skews older and richer,” says James Palmer, senior editor. Most Foreign Policy readers are above the age of 40, and about 75 percent of the audience is male. “We try to write for a broad, intelligent audience,” says Palmer. “We assume that the reader is smart and interested in foreign affairs.”
There are several other outlets that also cover foreign policy, but the publication sets itself apart by providing in-depth coverage and analysis, while keeping its copy accessible and readable.
What to pitch: Editors are most interested in receiving semi-reported analysis pieces from freelancers. “We want something that takes advantage of people’s unique background skills, experience and insight,” says Palmer. “So if you’re a whaling specialist and want to write about the Japanese whaling ban, that’s the type of thing we’re looking for.”
There’s no need to try and break a news story, rather the idea is to have freelancers take an issue and explore/explain it. Stories should include a smart, counterintuitive argument with a strong thesis (e.g. What’s the case? What’s happening?) “Opinion pieces are our bread and butter,” says Palmer. He notes that these pieces must have a new, original argument along with a foreign angle. Word count: 1200-3000.
What not to pitch: The online news section is handled in house.
Online opportunities: ForeignPolicy.com plays host to about 95 percent of Foreign Policy’s overall content—so assume that you’re pitching to the website when you hit the send key.
What publicists should pitch–and when: Foreign Policy publishes a lot of book excerpts, so editors want to hear from publicists with clients who have books that cover foreign affairs and foreign policy. Lead time: 1 month.
Percentage of freelance content: 70-80%
Percentage of freelance pitches accepted: 20%
Etiquette: Please submit your pitch via Submittable.
Lead time: 3-3 days
Pay rate: $.50/word; Print: $300
Payment schedule: Payment on publication
Kill fee: None
Rights purchased: All rights
Contact info: ForeignPolicy.com
Twitter handle: @ForeignPolicy | Facebook
Direct all pitches to: ForeignPolicy.Submittable.com
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Though we’ve updated this article recently, the speed at which things move in media means things may have already changed since then. Please email us if you notice any outdated info.]
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How to Pitch

