Publication:In Development
Topic(s): Global development, public policy, technology in developing countries, progress narratives, innovation, infrastructure, institutional reform, comparative development
Rate: $2,000 per article (2,000–4,000 words)
Deadline: Rolling submissions (first-round review closes January 12, 2026)
Editor: Lauren Gilbert (Creator)
Submit Via: Email — submissions@indevelopmentmag.com (Subject: Pitch: [Your Proposed Headline])

In Development is a new international magazine commissioning longform, narrative-driven essays that examine how progress actually happens in the developing world. The publication is seeking intellectually rigorous, empirically grounded stories that explain how systems work — or fail — across low- and middle-income countries.

This is a high-paying writing opportunity for journalists, researchers, policy thinkers, and practitioners who can combine deep subject-matter expertise with compelling storytelling. Pieces should be accessible to a global readership, including policymakers, donors, academics, and informed general readers.

Unlike crisis-focused development journalism, In Development is interested in progress, experimentation, and change — including the role of governments, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, innovation, and institutional reform.

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What They’re Looking For

Writers are invited to pitch 2,000–4,000-word longreads that:

• Explain how a policy, technology, institution, or system functions in the developing world
• Reveal why something succeeds, stagnates, or fails
• Combine original reporting, analysis, and narrative storytelling
• Highlight underreported people, ideas, or structural shifts

Strong pitches often focus on:

• Unexpected success stories — policies, entrepreneurs, or projects delivering real impact
• Comparative or historical analysis — lessons from different countries facing similar challenges
• Technology and innovation — AI, energy, health systems, urban planning, or infrastructure in emerging markets
• Institutional and policy experiments — land titling, regulatory reform, governance models, or public-sector innovation

In Development has also shared a list of preferred story ideas, which writers are encouraged to review before pitching.

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Who Should Pitch

This opportunity is open to:

• Journalists and investigative reporters
• Researchers and academics
• Policy professionals and practitioners

First-time contributors are welcome. The editorial team prioritizes clarity, originality, intellectual curiosity, and deep contextual knowledge. Writers based in developing countries — including Africa, Asia, and Latin America — are strongly encouraged to pitch.

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What to Include in Your Pitch

Submit a short document (maximum one page) that includes:

• The core idea: What question or problem does the story explore?
• The angle: Why this story matters now, and what makes it surprising or insightful
• A brief bio: Include 1–2 links to previous work if available (journalism, essays, or academic writing)

Due to volume, only accepted pitches will receive a response, typically within two weeks.