Trail Runner Magazine Is Accepting Pitches/ How To Submit (Pay: $200)

Trail Runner Magazine is an off-road running magazine that offers training advice, gear tips, nutrition information, and more.

They are especially interested in hearing from diverse voices, including women, BIPOC, LGBT+, and other underrepresented groups. If you are having a problem with your writing, please read this article: How to Overcome Writer’s Block (10 Tips + Personal Examples) 

Submission Guidelines For Trail Runner Magazine 

• If you’re interested in writing for Trail Runner, start by sending a pitch that explains why your story fits the magazine.

• State why you are the right writer for the piece, how you will report it, and why the story is relevant now.

• Pitches should be concise, typically one short paragraph, and should clearly outline your story angle rather than just a general topic.

• If you are not an experienced writer, please read this article: 10 Creative Writing Tips For Beginners

What They Want

Pitch Stories, Not Topics: Your pitch should have a specific focus, a central question, stakes, conflict, and/or a central character.

Unique Angles: If the topic has been covered before, your pitch should explain why your angle is unique.

Clear Narrative Elements: Good pitches include specific focus, conflict, and something happening within the story.

Initial Research: Demonstrate that you have already gathered some information or identified the main players in your story.

Section Specific: Specify which section of the magazine or website your story fits and justify why it belongs there.

What They Don’t Want

Vague Pitches: Avoid vague or overly short pitches, such as “I would like to write about X because of Y.” 

Fully Written Drafts: Do not send completed articles. Only pitches are required.

Rehashed Ideas: Avoid topics that have been previously covered without advancing the conversation significantly.

Eligibility Criteria For Trail Runner Magazine 

• They are  particularly interested in submissions from diverse voices, including women, BIPOC, LGBT+, and other underrepresented groups.

• This initiative aims to bring more diverse perspectives to the outdoor and sports writing genres, which have historically highlighted predominantly white male voices.

Submission Process

• Send pitches for print to zrom@outsideinc.com and for digital pieces to ntriolo@outsideinc.com.

• If you haven’t heard back in a few weeks or if your story is urgent, a follow-up email is acceptable.

• Avoid calling or sending unsolicited drafts.

Payment

Digital Pieces: Rates start at $200.

Print Pieces: Rates start at $0.25 per word, with potential increases based on experience, sourcing, and thoroughness.

Author Rights

Trail Runner Magazine retains the rights to decide on the fit and placement of the submitted work.

They request that authors not send unsolicited drafts and only pitch ideas through the correct channels.

Additional Tips

• Read Trail Runner Magazine to understand the style and voice of the publication.
• Use Google to ensure your topic hasn’t been covered previously or to find ways to advance existing conversations.
• Remember that editors are busy; pitches should be concise and digestible.