Guidelines for Contributors

Welcome to 21 Mag’s Pitch Guide! Thanks for your interest in writing for us! We know pitching for publications can be quite a task so we hope to make the pitching process as clear and straightforward as possible. We’re thrilled to have you join us in creating a safe space for African women to raise their voices and share their stories.

Before you pitch, take a few minutes to carefully read the following guidelines as anything in contradiction to them will likely not get a response.

 We’re going to cover the following:

• What Makes a Story a Good Fit for 21 Mag?
• General Guidelines
• Guidelines for Each Category
• Pitching Dos and Don’ts
• How to Pitch 21 Mag
• Payment Rates
• Follow Up

Happy pitching!

What Makes a Story a Good Fit for 21 Mag?

At 21 Mag, we’re all about providing inspiration, guidance, and empowerment through content and community. We’re here to centre the narrative on African women, so we’re looking for pitches that:

• Are engaging and relatable to young adults, catering to the needs of African women.
• Offer transparency and empowerment in storytelling.
• Cover a range of topics from pop culture and sex to beauty, career, and more.
• Encourage wellness, feminism, and discussions on sexual health.
• Embrace creative freedom while fitting into one of our categories.

General Guidelines

• We believe in creative freedom but make sure your article (after pitch approval) is at least a minimum of 1000 words in length.
• Read our publication as extensively as you can before pitching. 
• If you have relevant images (less than 2MB), send them when submitting the article after pitch approval.
• Your piece must be submitted within 10 days of pitch approval, except for trend pieces that may require a faster response.

Guidelines for Each Category

Sex and Relationships

Our Sex and Relationships category is a safe and informative space where we explore the intricacies of relationships, intimacy, and sexuality. We address topics that matter to African women, from building healthy relationships to understanding one’s own sexuality. Through candid conversations, personal narratives, and expert advice, we aim to foster open discussions on love, desire, and the complexities of human connections.

Explore topics around relationships, intimacy, and sexuality. Your pitch should either offer guidance, share experiences or foster healthy discussions. Some examples;

• Here’s How Edging Feels: My Experience Practicing Orgasm Control
• Is Relationship Weight Real?( Yes it is and Your Partner is Making You Fat)
• If You Can’t Handle a Bad Bitch, Don’t Date One

Friendship

 In the Friendship category, we celebrate the bonds of female friendship and delve into the dynamics that shape these connections. We share stories of sisterhood, offer guidance on maintaining meaningful friendships, and explore the challenges and joys of female relationships. Whether it’s coping with conflict or cherishing moments of laughter, this category highlights the importance of female connections in our lives.

At 21, we respect Girl Code. Your pitch should delve into the dynamics of friendships, the importance of female connections, and the challenges and joys of maintaining meaningful relationships. Some examples;

• Is There a Hierarchy in Friendship Groups?
• How to Navigate Adult Friendships in Your Twenties
• A Grown Woman’s Guide To Making and Keeping Friends 

Queer

Our Queer category is a platform dedicated to sharing LGBTQ+ experiences, challenges, and achievements. We prioritize inclusivity, understanding, and empowerment as we feature stories and perspectives from the LGBTQ+ community. Through personal narratives, discussions, and advocacy, we aim to create a space where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

Your pitch can be anything from sex to beauty, entertainment or wellness. As long as it discusses LGBTQ+ experiences, challenges, and achievements, feel free to pitch. Our hope is that this category fosters inclusivity and understanding. Some examples;

• 11 Things Bisexual People Are Probably Tired of Hearing
• Ways You Can Be A Better Ally To the LGBTQ Community

Culture, Community and Entertainment

The Culture and Entertainment category is your gateway to the vibrant world of African culture, arts, and entertainment. We celebrate the contributions of African women to these realms and provide insights into the latest trends and happenings. From film and music, literature and art, to astrology and community, we explore the cultural landscape through the lens of African women, shedding light on their creativity and influence.

Your pitch should dive into the world of culture, arts, and entertainment, focusing on African women’s perspectives. Some examples; 

• The Cast of Young Famous & African as Friends/ Lovers
• Why Your Favourite BBN Ship is Probably Toxic
• What ‘The Ultimatum’ Queer Love Character Are You?

Beauty and Fashion

Our Beauty and Fashion category is all about embracing and celebrating individual style and self-expression. We share beauty tips, fashion trends, and stories that empower women to feel confident in their appearance. From makeup and skincare to the latest fashion trends, we offer guidance and inspiration to help women define and express their unique sense of beauty and style.

Your pitch should share beauty and fashion trends, tips, and stories that empower and inspire women to embrace their unique styles. Some examples;

• I Tried African Threading After Nearly Two Years of Wearing a Buzzcut: Here’s How It Went
• Achieving Barbie’s Wardrobe With African-owned Brands

Women’s Wellness

The Women’s Wellness category prioritizes the holistic well-being of African women. We cover topics related to mental and physical health, feminism, sexual health, and personal growth. Through informative articles, personal stories, and expert advice, we aim to empower women to prioritize their well-being, embrace self-care, and navigate life’s challenges with strength and resilience.

Your pitch should cover topics related to mental and physical well-being, feminism, sexual health, and personal growth. Some examples;

• What No One Tells You About Entering Your Gym Girl Era
• I Tried Different Foods to See if They Made My Vagina Taste Different

Career and Money 

In the Career and Money category, we delve into the world of professional growth and financial empowerment for African women. We provide valuable insights, expert advice, and personal stories that help our readers navigate the challenges and opportunities in their careers. Whether it’s tips for advancing in the workplace, guidance on financial literacy, or stories of successful women breaking barriers, this category is a resource hub for those striving for career excellence and financial independence.

Your pitch should share insights, advice, and stories related to career growth, financial literacy, and empowerment in the workplace. Some examples;

• Here’s What You Should Know About Finacial Wellness, The Latest Self Care Trend.
• Meet Chisom Ezeh, A Financial Educator Who Wants You To Start Investing

Trends

This is less of a category and more of a guide on how to pitch trends to us. We keep our readers up-to-date with the latest happenings, notable dates, social media trends and awareness months that matter to African women. From significant cultural events to important awareness campaigns, we provide insights and information on what’s trending in the world around us. This category is your go-to source for staying informed about key dates in a month, such as Nigeria’s Independence Day on October 1st or Halloween on the 31st. We’re here to help you celebrate, commemorate, and stay connected with the ever-evolving world and the issues that impact your life.

Your pitch should centre around the themes above or anything else trending at the time you read this. Some examples;

• Met Gala 2023: Best and Worst Looks From the Red Carpet
• Summer Reads: Our Top Picks for 2023

Though following these guidelines is the best way to get a positive response, if you feel like you have something that would interest us but doesn’t particularly fall into any of these categories, feel free to pitch it anyway! 

Pitching Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Send in your past work so we get an idea of how you write.
• Research our publication and understand our mission, vision and voice.
• Craft a clear and compelling pitch.
• Tailor your pitch to one of our categories.
• Include any relevant images (not exceeding 2 MB), if you have them.
• Follow up after your pitch is approved to ensure it has been received.

Don’t:

• Submit pitches that don’t align with our categories, style or voice. E.g. News-y style writing.
• Send in pitches without reading articles published on the publication.
• Miss the 10-day submission deadline after pitch approval. Your piece is likely to not get published. This means you’re likely to not get paid (there are of course exceptions). 
• Overlook our focus on empowerment and transparency for African women.
• Send in pitches that have been published elsewhere.
• Send in pitches that were pre-written with another publication in mind. 

How to Pitch 21 Mag

To pitch your idea to us, send an email to Princess Briggs, the Senior Assistant Editor, at [email protected]. Make sure your subject line follows this format: “[Insert category] PITCH: [Insert Pitch Title].”

In your pitch, include the following:

1. Provide a comprehensive description of your pitch.

2. Explain the relevance and value of your pitch to 21 Mag and African women as a whole.

3. Describe your unique angle or approach.

4. Specify any experts or individuals you intend to interview, if applicable (be as specific as possible).

If this is our first collaboration, include your bio and links to relevant past work to showcase your expertise. While prior publication experience is preferred, it’s not mandatory; we are open to building relationships with talented contributors.

SAMPLE EMAIL

Subject: WELLNESS PITCH: Debunking 7 Myths About The Vagina

Hi Princess,

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to propose an engaging and informative article titled “Debunking 7 Vagina Myths” for the 21 Mag’s wellness section.

This article aims to debunk common misconceptions surrounding the vagina, offering readers accurate information about this vital aspect of sexual health. We’ll explore myths such as “vaginas are always wet” and “vaginal odour indicates an issue,” providing scientific insights and expert opinions to clarify these misconceptions.

This pitch aligns perfectly with 21 Mag’s mission to empower and educate African women. Misconceptions about vaginal health can lead to discomfort, shame, and unnecessary worry. By debunking these myths, we can promote open discussions, encourage women to seek appropriate healthcare and foster a healthier, more informed community.

Included in this piece will be; 

• A combination of expert interviews, personal narratives, and engaging visuals.
• Collaborating with Dr Jane Mwangi, a renowned gynaecologist, to provide authoritative insights. 
• Including firsthand accounts from African women who have overcome misconceptions, adding a relatable and empowering touch to the piece.

As mentioned, I intend to interview Dr. Jane Mwangi, who has extensive experience in gynaecology and sexual health. Her expertise will provide credibility and depth to the article. I’ll also reach out to women willing to share their stories anonymously, ensuring a well-rounded perspective.

Bio and Past Work:

I am Bisi Olalekan, a seasoned health writer with a passion for debunking myths and promoting accurate information. I have contributed to both this[Insert publication name and link to your work] and that[Insert publication name and link to your work] publication. You can read my articles here[Link to your portfolio].

Thank you for considering my pitch. I believe this article can make a meaningful contribution to 21 Mag’s content, promoting sexual health awareness amongst African women.

Best regards,

Bisi Olalekan

070-0000-000

Payment Rates

We believe in fair compensation for our contributors:

For articles 1000-2000 words long, we pay 5,000 NGN.

For articles 3000 words and above, we pay 10,000 NGN.

Follow Up

– Expect a response within two weeks of sending your pitch.

– Avoid sending follow-up emails before the two-week mark, as it may cause you to not get a response at all.

Thank you for considering contributing to 21 Mag! We look forward to reading your pitches and sharing your stories with our community of readers. Together, we can make a difference in how African women are portrayed in the media.