Earn Between $350 and $800 Writing for Youth Today Articles
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Chapter 1: Overview of Opportunities
Youth Today and the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange are on the lookout for both seasoned and emerging writers skilled in straightforward journalism. They value contributors who bring personal experiences related to the subjects they cover, adhering to factual accuracy, fairness, AP Style, and industry standards.
They occasionally consider publishing timely and engaging first-person narratives that are well-researched and supported by diverse sources. However, they currently do not hire writers from outside the U.S. or cover international youth welfare topics, focusing instead on domestic issues.
Section 1.1: Submission Guidelines
When submitting opinion pieces, authors should draw from their personal expertise and experiences, crafting narratives in a relatable tone suitable for a wide audience.
Along with your submission, which should be between 700 and 1,200 words, please describe your professional or personal background that connects you to the subject at hand.
Ensure that your work is original and properly attributes any research or sources referenced in your argument.
Selected submissions will undergo thorough fact-checking and editing according to editorial standards and guidelines. Please include hyperlinks and notes that help substantiate your claims.
Due to the high volume of submissions, they may not respond to every entry. If you do not hear back within 14 days, you are welcome to submit your article to another outlet. Like many established news organizations, they do not compensate writers for guest opinion pieces.
Subsection 1.1.1: Guidelines for Columnists and Photojournalists
The nonprofit Youth Today and the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange invite pitches from U.S.-based journalists covering a wide range of topics concerning youth and young adults up to their late 20s.
Freelance writers can earn up to $1 per word, with typical payments of $800 for detailed articles ranging from 800 to 1,200 words. They also pay $500 for occasional Q&A features and hire professional photojournalists at a daily rate of $350.
Their reporting topics include juvenile justice, disability rights, COVID-19 impacts, childcare, adoption, migration, climate change, LGBTQ+ issues, labor and economic topics, technology, after-school programs, social safety nets, health (including mental and behavioral health), substance use, gun violence, homelessness, youth development, resilience, and trauma.
They also seek writers for investigative and feature reporting on agencies and professionals assisting vulnerable youth, such as child protective services, family and juvenile courts, and youth detention facilities. In 2022, they are launching a comprehensive project addressing youth and climate change.
Section 1.2: Crafting Your Pitch
Pitches should be concise, ranging from 200 to 400 words, and must contain a compelling lead, a clear nut graf, identified or potential sources, and hyperlinks to relevant studies and data. Use a clear subject line when emailing pitches to the lead editors at Youth Today and the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange at [email protected]. More information can also be found on their official website.
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