Pitching an article to the editors
Do you have something like to like to share? We want to hear from you! We publish articles from microbiologists across the world under the format of News, Features, Careers, and Opinions.
Who can write for The Microbiologist?
We welcome submissions from people at all stages of their careers, from academia, industry, and clinical care, to science communicators, and those in political and public spheres. Our readership includes everyone from early to late stage career, which means your article will impact the field in the broadest terms. We also encourage submissions from those for whom English may not be their first language – we have a team of Editors that can help to bring your words to life.
What types of stories are we looking for?
News
The latest developments in microbiology from across the world. News stories cover everything from fresh journal research and major discoveries to funding announcments, policy and public initiatives.
Features
Cutting-edge research: What is the real-world issue that your work addresses, and what impact does your research have on the field? Was there an interesting story that led to a proposal or piece of data? The most interesting articles to read are those that present developments in a way that is digestible and engaging for our readers. Remember that whilst your readers may be microbiologists, they may not be specialists in your field.
Historical perspectives: gripping stories from the history of microbiology. Whether they are snapshots of the past or articles that document the development a particular field, these articles tell the stories that make microbiology what it is today, and how we got here.
Careers
Our career articles fall into 4 categories.
Be Inspired: engaging and inspiring stories from microbiologists at work and play.
Lab Spotlights: snapshots of the work in your lab, the overall ethos, and any ongoing projects.
Advice: what do you wish somebody had told you? Practical advice for and from microbiologists across the world. Examples might include CV advice, applying for grants, and how to deal with stress or negative feedback.
A Day in the Life: what does a typical work day or week look like for you? What skills do you need, and who else do you rely on to succeed. What are the overall aims you work towards?
Opinions
A commentary on a particular issue, be it an academic paper, a hot topic in the news, or conversations in the public sphere. These are designed to excite discussion on topics for which there may be differing points of view, or that may be controversial.
What to include in your pitch
Your pitch should give an overview of the article’s scope and why it would be of interest to our readers. Pitches should include specific facts, conclusions, and insights, rather than just the broad topic. The pitch should give a sense of the message or story you are trying to convey, with regards to a particular field. It should also include which type of article you would like to write (Features, News, Opinion, Careers).
For News articles
Your pitch should include: an introductory line on what you have discovered that was worth publication (who, what, where, why and when). An outline of the real-world problem that you are addressing in your work and what you were trying to find out. A very simple outline of what you did (1-3 short paragraphs) and what you discovered. Was there anything that surprised you? What this means for the problem that you are addressing and why it matters in the real world. What needs to be done in future to build on your findings. Who led and supported your study.
Ready to write?
Submit your pitch to one of our editors
Linda Stewart: News Editor (News, Careers, Opinion)
Matthew Koch: Features Editor (Features, Careers, Opinion)
