Publication: National Geographic
Topics: Hidden histories, health explainers, health debunkers, trends, curiosity-driven stories
Rate: ~USD $1 per word
Deadline: Not specified
Editor: Starlight Williams
Submit Via: Email (starlight.williams@natgeo.com)
National Geographic’s Starlight Williams is filling her winter/spring lineup and wants sharp, globally relevant story pitches. She’s after ideas that spark curiosity, start dinner-table debates, and make readers think: “Wait… what?!”
She’s commissioning stories across multiple high-traffic categories—perfect for writers looking to break into major international publications and earn premium rates for science-driven narrative features.
What They’re Looking For
Hidden Histories
Unexpected, wild, or forgotten stories: electric taxis from the 1800s, the Australian “Emu War,” Pilates beginning in prison, and other surprising origin stories.
Health Explainers
Clear, high-interest explainers such as rising stroke rates, “food noise,” cortisol basics, dense breasts, and how specific habits, foods, or conditions affect the body and mind.
Health Debunkers
Myth-busting pieces backed by science: why indicas vs. sativas is mostly marketing, why sugar doesn’t actually make kids hyper, why you can’t sweat out toxins, etc.
Health Trends
Timely trend breakdowns: infrared saunas, the Balkan diet, pre-workout culture, dense bean salads, LED light therapy, and more.
Curiosity / “I Wonder” Stories
The questions everyone secretly Googles: inner monologues (or lack of), how cats think, how lost dogs find their way home, the best sleep position, and other viral curiosity topics.
Obscure but Fight-Worthy
Ancient zodiac origins, the real backstory behind blockbuster films, and supernatural/paranormal/strange history with strong reporting.
Style Reminder: Stories should be science-driven, globally relevant, well-researched, and fascinating enough to make someone stop mid-meal saying, “Yo, listen to this!”
Before pitching, confirm that National Geographic hasn’t covered your angle.
How to Pitch National Geographic
- Sample Hed/Dek: Match Nat Geo style and show you understand your angle instantly.
- Nut Graph: Who, what, why, when, where—especially why now (timeliness, novelty, global relevance).
- Bio + Clips: Prove credibility and link to relevant past work.
Email: starlight.williams@natgeo.com
How To Get This Job
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