Contributor Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in contributing to Asia Society Magazine. Below is a brief overview of the magazine, the kind of content we’re looking for, and the elements of a good pitch. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

About the magazine

Asia Society Magazine is a new publication bringing an insightful, expert eye to arts, culture, policy, and more. We pride ourselves in making complex ideas understandable to a global readership, and diving into underreported — or simply misunderstood — topics. Over time, we aim to become a go-to source for a wide range of perspectives on key Asia- and Asian American-related issues facing and changing the world, today and tomorrow. Our readers follow the news, but rely on us to fill in the gaps and help them better understand the context behind the headlines.

How to pitch

Most pitches will be organized around a central idea or thesis, which offers a new or interesting intellectual contribution. A good pitch will also explain the angle (why does this story need to be told, what’s your unique take on this issue, what particular viewpoint are you bringing in) and — if necessary — situate it within the larger debate or context.

Please have a look at the rubrics below, as well as our website, to get a sense of what we are looking for. As we are a new publication, however, we are also open to ideas that don’t fit neatly into our frameworks. Please keep in mind that we are very much a publication aimed at the general population. Our readers come from across the world and have a wide range of backgrounds and expertises. While not every article needs to appeal to every reader, it should be understandable to a general audience rather than solely an expert one.

Although we are happy to look at pieces you have already written, we strongly suggest sending us a short (one to two paragraph) pitch before you begin writing.

What we are looking for

We don’t compete with the daily news cycle — we complement it, with high quality content that readers won’t find anywhere else. We reframe familiar debates, and introduce new ideas that inform future discussion.

DISPATCHES

Short “on the ground” articles highlighting interesting, inspiring, delightful, or otherwise underpublicized stories from Asian countries or Asian American communities. (750-1500 words)

Examples

'These Numbers Are Simply Not True'
The Silent Games
Piecing Together North Korea

ESSAYS

These encompass both traditional op-eds and analysis pieces, as well as personal essays that bring a unique voice or perspective. (750-1500 words)

Examples

The Fight to Be Seen
The Real Pivot to Asia
Asian American Ghosts

REPORTAGE

Reported journalistic feature pieces. Ideally they will shed light on a little-covered topic. (1500-4000 words)

PHOTO ESSAYS

Photo essays generally include a short intro essay (500-1000 words) and 8-12 photos with captions. They can be on a specific event/issue or encompass a more sweeping narrative.

Examples

Afghanistan: Before the Fall
Hong Kong 20/20
Risky Crossing