Company/Publication: Insider
Topic(s): Education, student loans, personal finance, alternative career paths
Rate: $0.30+ per word
Deadline: None specified (but they’re only looking for recent stories)
Client’s Name: Frank Olito
Submit Via: Email — folito@insider.com

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What They’re Looking For:

Frank Olito, editor at Insider, is seeking first-person essays from freelancers who chose not to attend college, grad school, or a Ph.D. program—despite being accepted. The focus is on decisions made within the last two years.

Writers should be able to explain:

• Why they turned down higher education
• What factors influenced their decision (e.g. cost, student loan debt, employment concerns, the current economy)
• What path they pursued instead

The tone should be personal, reflective, and honest, but still clear and structured. The target is to show the real-life implications of rejecting the traditional education track.

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Resources/Guides:

• Insider’s Editorial Vision
• Examples of similar essays can be found under the Education or Voices sections on Insider.

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How To Get This Client:

Writers should pitch Frank directly at folito@insider.com with a short summary of their story, including the school they were accepted into, when they made the decision, and the reasons behind it. Clarity, honesty, and recentness are key.

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Pro Tip:

Essays like this aren’t just about life choices—they’re about angles. Insider wants sharp storytelling with insight. Writers who aren’t sure how to pitch this properly should consider joining the Sure Media Training Program. It’s designed to help writers turn personal stories into publishable—and paid—work. Training is recommended even for pros.