Freelance Writers
What you need to know about us:
Founded in 2013, Capital & Main reports on inequities related to class, race, immigration, gender, corporate accountability, climate change and energy, education and health, both in California and nationally.
Our stories are co-published in a wide range of outlets, including USA Today, Newsweek, the Guardian, Fast Company and the American Prospect. In 2020, Capital & Main produced the largest American reporting project on inequality, with nearly 100 stories over the course of 12 months. We also launched a major new reporting initiative on climate change as well as two original podcasts on COVID-19. Last year the publication won more than 40 regional and national awards, including Online Journalist of the Year and Best Internet-Only News Website in Southern California.
We are a small team but we work with a wide range of freelance writers and photographers from all backgrounds.
Pitch FAQs
Where do I send my pitches?
Send your pitches to Peter Hong at peterhong@capitalandmain.com
If you are a videographer, photographer or a graphic designer please send your pitch and contact information to Marco Amador at camador@capitalandmain.com.
When should I pitch?
We publish daily and accept pitches all the time.
Do you accept opinion or personal essays?
Not from first-time writers, unless we specifically commission one.
I’m ready to pitch, what do you need from me?
Email Peter Hong at peterhong@capitalandmain.com with your full name, contact information, links to past work experience, and a summary of your story idea with a rough word count and the sources/research you plan to use.
If you are a videographer, photographer or a graphic designer please send your pitch and contact information to Marco Amador at camador@capitalandmain.com.
How to pitch
Send your pitches to Peter Hong at peterhong@capitalandmain.com with the following information:
Your full name
Contact information including email and phone number
Link to website(s) that show your past work
A very concise summary of your story idea
Make sure your story idea fits along the focus of our coverage on inequality related to class, race, immigration, gender, corporate accountability, climate change and energy, education and health.
If you are a videographer, photographer or a graphic designer please send your pitch and contact information to Marco Amador at camador@capitalandmain.com.
Topics/Stories we seek
At Capital & Main, our freelance journalists report on inequality related to class, race, immigration, gender, corporate accountability, climate change and energy, education and health both in California and nationally.
Your story should include:
Anecdotal narratives from everyday people impacted by the issue(s) covered in the story
As much original reporting as possible, including remarks from experts, elected leaders, government workers, businesses, etc.
Opposing viewpoints
Supporting documents; additional data is highly encouraged
No anonymous sources
We do not accept:
Personal essays, anecdotes
Opinion pieces
Previously published material
Unfounded hearsay or rumors
Here are some examples of the stories we cover and publish.
Homelessness:
Homeless Deaths in Los Angeles Rose by More than 30% in 2020
Homelessness in Los Angeles Expected to See Dramatic Rise Due to Pandemic
Attacking Homelessness After COVID’S End
Inequality:
California’s Essential Workers Get Bumped Down Vaccination Line
Data Reveals Dramatic Gap Between COVID Vaccinations and COVID Deaths Among Latinos in L.A. County
As Los Angeles COVID Vaccines Roll Out, Black and Latino Cases Surge
Environment:
City Sued for Letting Charter School Dodge Environmental Rules
Environmentalists Demand Gavin Newsom Join Biden’s Halt of Oil and Gas Drilling
Possible Exide Plant Sale Alarms Residents, Environmentalists