By Pitch a “why,” not a “what.” For example, the launch of a new book on a collection of Black poets is a “what.” When pitching stories, focus on the “why”—why should our readers click on this, why should our readers want to buy/read this book, why is this content important right now, why is it unique or compelling?
Pitch a story, not an idea. The most important part of your pitch is the headline. If you pitch an idea in the form of a story, there’s a better chance you’ll get your article published. Here are some examples: “Travelling during covid” is an idea, whereas “Why I’m Still Travelling During Covid” is a story. Likewise, “Vaccine mandates in the workplace” is an idea, whereas “These Are The Only Two Ways To Keep Your Job Without Vaccination” is a story.
While press releases provide helpful background information, they don’t always tell a great story.. Please include a one-paragraph summary explaining why this story is a good fit for ByBlacks.
We cannot accept:
- Brand-supported submissions; authors who have a financial stake in a topic; posts that endorse a product or read like a publicity post (click here to submit a Sales ticket) if you are inquiring about a sponsored post)
- Fiction or poetry
- Articles that have been published elsewhere
Please note we will only respond to email pitches that are a strong fit for publication.
First-person narrative
We are looking for original, first-person narratives about the Black Canadian experience. First-person stories don’t have to be anchored in a theme of identity, but they must be written in the first-person or “as told to” one of our writers. You don’t have to be a professional writer to submit a first-person narrative; our editors can help shape your story for publishing.
Black Canadians experience the world much differently than others. Some of those ways are joyful, and some of them are not. These are the nuanced stories we are looking for–pieces that will help others understand Black life in Canada..
Here are some examples:
They Said I Had Nothing To Worry About, Then I Lost Both My Breasts To Cancer
How Internalized Racism Ruined Dating For Me
A Gathering Of Ancestors: How I Found My Family’s Missing Link
Please note we have a particular interest in historically underrepresented groups within the Black community, such as the disabled and 2SLGBTQIA.
First-person narratives are usually anywhere between 500 and 2500 words.
Opinion
We are looking for strong viewpoints from Black Canadians who can reveal, examine, or debate issues impacting our community. ByBlacks opinion pieces must have a clear thesis, backed by research or evidence, written in the form of a persuasive argument. We encourage you to think about any major objections to your arguments, then raise and answer them within your op-ed.
Before pitching an op-ed, please search for that topic on ByBlacks.com to get an idea of whether we have covered this topic before, and if/how your piece will advance the discussion
There is room here for a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Federal and provincial politics
- Identity
- Social justice issues
- Pop culture
- Parenting
- Health and mental health
- Sex and relationships
- Money and career
Please see these op-eds as examples:
I'm Black And Trans. I Would Have Laughed At The Closer, If Only It Was Funny
This Nation Sets Black Women On Fire
Please Stop Comparing The Vaccine Passport To Segregation! It Is Not The Same
Today Is The Ethiopian New Year But It's Hard to Celebrate
Black In Newfoundland: We're Small But We're Mighty
We Need To Talk About Colourism
Jesus Was A Carpenter: The City of Toronto vs. Khaleel Seivwright
Why I Do Not Trust Schools To Protect My Black Son
Opinion pieces are usually anywhere between 500 and 2500 words.
News
A ByBlacks news piece goes beyond “what happened where.” We are looking for news stories where the writer is willing to examine the impact of “what happened where” on members of the Black Canadian community. News pieces explain in plain language what people should do with or why they should care about a particular issue, change or update, whether it be a new law, policy or trend. While reporting on new trends, we aim to incorporate the promotion or support of Black-owned businesses.
See this story as an example:
Ontario Is Basically Paying You To Not Get On A Plane This Year.
The news category also holds space to document hate crimes and abuses against the Black community. We are a platform that not only documents these incidents but advocates against racism and all forms of discrimination, particularly against Black members of the 2SLGBTQIA community.
The news category is also looking for stories that mark important beginnings, endings or successes. For example, if a well-known community member passes away if a Black Canadian earns a prestigious award, any significant milestones or anniversaries, new programs, and events that would benefit any part of the community.
Please keep in mind we have a particular interest in geographically diverse (within Canada) and gender diverse (2SLGBTQIA) stories.
News stories are between 500 to 1000 words.
Entertainment
A ByBlacks entertainment story highlights or reviews new, upcoming or established artists. We accept pitches for previews or reviews on new albums, films, books, theatre, art installations and other art/entertainment forms. It’s important to remember that ByBlacks only covers Black Canadian artists. However, we do make exceptions for high-profile entertainers who launch projects in Canada that we believe would be of entertainment value to our readers. In these cases, we must have direct access to the entertainer via one-on-one interview or a press junket. We require video recording permissions of all interviews, of which part or whole may be embedded in the article.
Here's an example:
Entertainment stories go beyond content to cover issues and trends impacting the Black entertainment landscape in Canada. Example: The State of Black Canada As Seen Through The Lens of Black Canadian Rap Artists
When pitching brand new artists or projects, there should be an emphasis on a solid backstory. If we’ve never heard of their music or content, we’re more likely to accept the pitch if they have a compelling life story or journey or if their content can be contextualized within some kind of commentary on race, identity or belonging.
Here are some examples:
City Fidelia's Powerful New Single is a Reminder That The Fight For Justice Isn't Over
Emanuel's New EP Is Out And It's A Love Letter To Black Women
Please keep in mind we have a particular interest in geographically diverse (within Canada) and gender diverse (2SLGBTQIA) stories.
Entertainment stories can be anywhere from 500 to 1500 words.
Profiles
A ByBlacks profile features a person, group or organization that has made a significant contribution to their community, has reached a noteworthy level of success or is working on building something of significance.
We look for innovative businesses (the first to do something) or people with stories about overcoming hardship or challenges to achieve their goals. Simply existing and succeeding does not meet our editorial standard for publishing, we are looking for stories to inspire our readers.
Here are some examples:
Black Farmers Are Tackling Food Apartheid At A Pop-Up Near You
How Digital Creative Donté Colley Turned His Side Hustle Into A Career
"Yes, We Av' Dat" - Toronto is Getting Its First Caribbean-Themed Pizzeria
Jenelle Lewis: Drawing Outside The Lines To Reimagine The World
This New Streetwear Brand In Newfoundland Is Helping Students Make Money While Studying
We require a high res image of the person that is being profiled. Additional material such as videos and compelling social media posts are appreciated.
Please keep in mind we have a particular interest in geographically diverse (within Canada) and gender diverse (2SLGBTQIA) stories.
Profile stories are usually anywhere from 1000 to 2000 words.
