What We’re Looking For
Here are some examples of stories we are looking for to help you get going. Please note: these are guidelines, not gospel.
So let’s cut right to the chase
Here’s what we want (in a broad context):
- Don’t be boring! This is the only true rule and can make up for deficiencies with any of the other guidelines.
- Be unique as hell.
- Quality content, preferably long form.
- Personal Stories, Essays, Photo Essays (must be your photos), Calls to Action, Environmental Causes, Travel Essays.
- Minimum word count starts at 1,000 words (give or take).
- Original. Be yourself.
- Be funny. Sure, a lot of this is meant to be taken seriously but please, be funny when you can.
- Humor along with vulnerability and originality is the quickest way to make an impact on an audience.
Here’s what we DO NOT want (in a broad context):
- Listicles
- Travel & Life Hacks
- Affiliate Marketing Links
- Gear Reviews
- Sales pitches of any kind
- Don’t preach
- Don’t condescend
Examples of things we would publish:
- My Life On The Wall — Musings From A Dirt Bag Climber
- The State Of The American Grizzly — Now What?
- What’s Happening With Bears Ears & Grand Staircase? What Monuments Could Be Next?
- I Thru-Hiked the PCT — Bruises, Tears, Memories & Lessons Learned
- The Trip That Changed My Perspective On Wilderness & What It Means
- First Time Entering Yosemite Changed My World View
- My First National Park Experience
- Why Local Land Conservation Is More Important Than Ever
- Hooked On Backpacking — Why I Just Can’t Get Enough
- Climate Change At a Local Level — Its Not Just The Arctic In Chaos
- What Wilderness Means To Me
These are all made up examples, but if any apply to you and get your creative juices flowing, by all means, steal away.
Examples of things we WILL NOT publish:
- Top 10 Things To Take On Your First Backpacking Trip
- 25 Under The Radar National Parks To Visit This Summer
- New Osprey Backpack — My Review (please note, I love Osprey, this is not a knock on them)
- Five Camping Hacks To Take Your Next Weekend Trip To The Next Level
- Three Easy Tips to Fall Asleep Quickly Outdoors
- Top 6 Must Haves On Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Again, all totally made up. Sorry if these exist somewhere, rest assured it is pure coincidence and only serves as evidence of how lacking in originality and value these kinds of pieces are.
As we get rolling, we will send out weekly themes and ideas for the types of pieces we want to feature over a given time period. But for now, these can serve as very broad guidelines to get you started.
As always, any questions, please feel free to reach out on Twitter or Instagram or shoot us an email: wildernesswirepub@gmail.com
