Publication: National Geographic
Topic(s): Health, Science, Medicine, Human Body, Research, Public Health, Scientific Debates
Rate: ~$1 per word (often paid as flat fees)
Deadline: None (rolling submissions)
Name of Editor: Starlight Williams, Editor, National Geographic Travel
Submit Via: Email — starlight.williams@natgeo.com

National Geographic is open to high-level health and science pitches that challenge conventional thinking and are grounded in strong reporting. Starlight Williams, Editor at National Geographic Travel, is looking for stories that surprise, inform, and reframe how readers understand their bodies or the world.

This is a premium opportunity for freelance writers, science journalists, and health writers who can deliver rigorous, original, and well-sourced features. The editor is especially interested in pitches built on new or newly synthesized research, or smart, contrarian angles on long-running scientific debates.

What They’re Not Looking For

• “X is trending on TikTok, is it legit?” style stories
• Trend pieces without peer-reviewed research
• Topics without a clear research hook
• Rewrites of stories that are already everywhere

What Gets Their Attention

• A new or newly synthesized body of research
• A sharp, intelligent angle on an ongoing scientific debate
• A study that complicates or challenges conventional wisdom
• Bonus: If you know about embargoed studies and can pitch them early with a well-developed angle

In short: if your pitch makes the editor pause and think, “Wait… that’s interesting,” you’re on the right track.

This is an excellent fit for writers looking for high-paying freelance writing jobs, science writing gigs, health journalism opportunities, and international publications that pay well per word.

How to pitch: Send a concise, well-argued pitch by email to starlight.williams@natgeo.com. Include your angle, why it matters now, what research you’ll use, and why you’re the right writer for the story.