Topics: Long COVID, chronic illness, ME, dysautonomia, disability justice, COVID-19, public health, medical research, advocacy, and pandemic preparedness.
Rate (USD): $400–$1,300 per article
Deadline: Ongoing
The Sick Times is accepting pitches from freelance writers for reported news features, essays, and commentary covering Long COVID, related infection-associated illnesses, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The publication is particularly interested in stories that explore the scientific, medical, political, and social dimensions of Long COVID and its impact on affected communities.
Current areas of interest include:
- Scientifically supported treatments and emerging research.
- ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), dysautonomia, and related conditions.
- International reporting on Long COVID.
- Disability justice and the experiences of disabled communities.
- Long COVID in children.
- The social and economic impact of chronic illness.
- Government responses and public health policies.
- Advocacy, pandemic preparedness, and community resources.
Payment Rates
The Sick Times offers the following rates:
- Reported news features: $1,300 for 1,500–1,700 words.
- Essays and commentary: $400 for 1,000–1,200 words.
What the Publication Wants
For reported features, editors are looking for original, newsworthy stories supported by interviews, scientific research, data analysis, or investigative reporting.
Essays and commentary should present distinctive perspectives, well-developed arguments, or fresh insights. Broad personal narratives without a clear argument or editorial angle are less likely to be accepted.
The publication prioritizes pitches from writers living with Long COVID and related diseases.
How to Pitch
Writers should pitch their ideas before writing the article. Your pitch should explain:
- Your proposed story angle and why it matters.
- Why the subject is relevant to The Sick Times’ readership.
- Your relevant experience or qualifications.
- For reported features, your proposed reporting approach, including potential interviewees and sources.
Do not submit completed articles without an accepted pitch. Single-study news features are also not accepted.
The Sick Times does not accept AI-drafted pitches. Editors generally respond to submissions within three weeks.