Pitching off-field
SUBMISSIONS now open
We’re now accepting story and photography pitches for Volume #2 of our print anthology and for our website. Before getting in touch, please read our guidelines below:
ABOUT OFF-FIELD
In audio, digital, and print, Off-Field exists to champion unsung communities, amplify diverse voices, and connect audiences through untold narratives. We shine a light on the corners of sport often ignored by mainstream media, revealing its deeper impact on people, places, and society. We value the unconventional over the clichéd, compelling over quick, and - as proud adherents of the slow journalism movement - believe that thoughtful, original storytelling is the much-needed antidote to digital clickbait and AI churnalism
PITCHING FOR VOLUME #2
Following the successful launch of Volume #1 - our limited edition 250-page debut anthology - we are now accepting pitches for Volume #2, due for release in Spring 2027.
As always, we want these stories to explore the diverse sporting landscapes beyond the familiar, spanning the globe to tell timeless tales about niche subcultures, hidden heroes, and uncharted communities.
We believe some of the most powerful journalism and original storytelling can be found in the margins, so don’t be afraid to pitch us the ideas that were too niche for everyone else.
In audio, digital, and print, Off-Field exists to champion unsung communities, amplify diverse voices, and connect audiences through untold narratives. We shine a light on the corners of sport often ignored by mainstream media, revealing its deeper impact on people, places, and society. We value the unconventional over the clichéd, compelling over quick, and - as proud adherents of the slow journalism movement - believe that thoughtful, original storytelling is the much-needed antidote to digital clickbait and AI churnalism
PITCHING FOR VOLUME #2
Following the successful launch of Volume #1 - our limited edition 250-page debut anthology - we are now accepting pitches for Volume #2, due for release in Spring 2027.
As always, we want these stories to explore the diverse sporting landscapes beyond the familiar, spanning the globe to tell timeless tales about niche subcultures, hidden heroes, and uncharted communities.
We believe some of the most powerful journalism and original storytelling can be found in the margins, so don’t be afraid to pitch us the ideas that were too niche for everyone else.
Writers
We want stories told from the ground, which means that if you can do most of the work from the comfort of your desk, it’s probably not for us. We want human stories, written by humans. AI can’t see the whites of people’s eyes.
Just remember that you’re the storyteller, not the story. As much as we love it when done well, Off-Field isn’t the platform for gonzo.
The protagonists are your subjects: the untold and unsung. We want beautifully-crafted longreads, and as such we’re flexible on word counts. We generally look for anything from 2,500-5,000 words but can and will make room for more if the narrative journey needs it. This is your chance to go long and tell the story as you want to tell it, unshackled by word counts.
Photographers
While we’ll be commissioning relevant photographers based on the strongest ideas that come in from writers, we’re also happy to consider photography-first stories and encourage photographers to get in touch with any new ideas or existing photo essays yet to be published elsewhere.
Photographers submitting photo essays should give us an indication as to whether they're able to provide written commentary alongside their photos, or whether they’d prefer to be interviewed. In some cases, we may ask if you’d consider working with a writer to develop your essay into a longread feature.
ONLINE Features
We also publish regular articles and photo essays on our website and newsletter. These can be shorter reads (1,000+ words) but should still adhere to the Off-Field storytelling ethos described above.
Please make sure to read through our website and newsletter to ensure we’ve not covered the topic or similar before, and writers should let us know of any imagery that may be able to accompany your piece.
STORY SUGGESTIONS
Not looking to write or shoot a story but want to point us in the direction of one that fits the bill? We’re all ears. Get in touch at hello@off-field.net.
RATES for VOLUME #2
As a small indie publication, we’re entirely self-funded and any profit we make goes straight back into funding our stories. We are desperate to prove that premium storytelling isn't the preserve of publishing behemoths and want to be a beacon for independent publishing and boost the writers, artists, and photographers that form a part of it. While we believe our initial rates are fair and competitive, we will always aim to increase them if and when we are able to collaborate with like-minded sponsors and partners.
Print anthology
— Longreads (2,500 words and over): 10p per word up to £500
— Photography (20-30 stills): From £500
— Additionally, illustrators and photographers will be commissioned as required per feature.
RATES FOR ONLINE FEATURES
The majority of our commissioning budget is reserved for our print anthology, and as such rates for web-only features are negotiated per piece.
Photographers wanting to showcase their work on our website are welcome to reach out - if your photo essay is a good fit, we'll conduct an interview with you to run as a feature. These portfolio pieces aren't typically paid, but are a great way to show your work, ethos, and methodology, and begin a relationship that could lead to future print commissions.
We want stories told from the ground, which means that if you can do most of the work from the comfort of your desk, it’s probably not for us. We want human stories, written by humans. AI can’t see the whites of people’s eyes.
Just remember that you’re the storyteller, not the story. As much as we love it when done well, Off-Field isn’t the platform for gonzo.
The protagonists are your subjects: the untold and unsung. We want beautifully-crafted longreads, and as such we’re flexible on word counts. We generally look for anything from 2,500-5,000 words but can and will make room for more if the narrative journey needs it. This is your chance to go long and tell the story as you want to tell it, unshackled by word counts.
Photographers
While we’ll be commissioning relevant photographers based on the strongest ideas that come in from writers, we’re also happy to consider photography-first stories and encourage photographers to get in touch with any new ideas or existing photo essays yet to be published elsewhere.
Photographers submitting photo essays should give us an indication as to whether they're able to provide written commentary alongside their photos, or whether they’d prefer to be interviewed. In some cases, we may ask if you’d consider working with a writer to develop your essay into a longread feature.
ONLINE Features
We also publish regular articles and photo essays on our website and newsletter. These can be shorter reads (1,000+ words) but should still adhere to the Off-Field storytelling ethos described above.
Please make sure to read through our website and newsletter to ensure we’ve not covered the topic or similar before, and writers should let us know of any imagery that may be able to accompany your piece.
STORY SUGGESTIONS
Not looking to write or shoot a story but want to point us in the direction of one that fits the bill? We’re all ears. Get in touch at hello@off-field.net.
RATES for VOLUME #2
As a small indie publication, we’re entirely self-funded and any profit we make goes straight back into funding our stories. We are desperate to prove that premium storytelling isn't the preserve of publishing behemoths and want to be a beacon for independent publishing and boost the writers, artists, and photographers that form a part of it. While we believe our initial rates are fair and competitive, we will always aim to increase them if and when we are able to collaborate with like-minded sponsors and partners.
Print anthology
— Longreads (2,500 words and over): 10p per word up to £500
— Photography (20-30 stills): From £500
— Additionally, illustrators and photographers will be commissioned as required per feature.
RATES FOR ONLINE FEATURES
The majority of our commissioning budget is reserved for our print anthology, and as such rates for web-only features are negotiated per piece.
Photographers wanting to showcase their work on our website are welcome to reach out - if your photo essay is a good fit, we'll conduct an interview with you to run as a feature. These portfolio pieces aren't typically paid, but are a great way to show your work, ethos, and methodology, and begin a relationship that could lead to future print commissions.
DEADLINE
While pitches for web are welcomed on a continual basis, the closing date for pitching us for Volume #2 is October 23rd.
PITCH US NOW
As always, the best way to get an idea of what we’re after is to read our previous work. Pitches that demonstrate a familiarity with Volume #1 will be more warmly received than any that have a whiff of generic mailout. One strong, fully-fleshed-out idea is always better than a handful of decent ones. We want your story’s narrative arc, the personalities you’ll speak to, the locations you’ll bring to life. Above all, tell us why you’re the best person to tell that story.
Send your pitches to hello@off-field.net.
We’ll endeavour to respond to every pitch. For web pitches, we’ll aim to get back to you within two weeks. For pitches for Volume #2, we’ll respond following the commissioning closing date in October.
While pitches for web are welcomed on a continual basis, the closing date for pitching us for Volume #2 is October 23rd.
PITCH US NOW
As always, the best way to get an idea of what we’re after is to read our previous work. Pitches that demonstrate a familiarity with Volume #1 will be more warmly received than any that have a whiff of generic mailout. One strong, fully-fleshed-out idea is always better than a handful of decent ones. We want your story’s narrative arc, the personalities you’ll speak to, the locations you’ll bring to life. Above all, tell us why you’re the best person to tell that story.
Send your pitches to hello@off-field.net.
We’ll endeavour to respond to every pitch. For web pitches, we’ll aim to get back to you within two weeks. For pitches for Volume #2, we’ll respond following the commissioning closing date in October.
AS SEEN IN
