We prefer short (3-5 paragraph) story proposals, but will consider finished pieces. We like new work, but will consider a piece that has appeared elsewhere (though not in this region) in some form or another. Pitches should give a strong sense of art, angle and sources - and indicate that you understand the interests of our audience. Please have a look at our websites (http://www.indiatell.org / http://hyd-news.blogspot.com) to get a sense of the magazines' style. Feel free to request a print copy - the print edition is larger and more lively than the site.
Generally speaking, INN news coverage is in the India News Network tradition. Our city and country guide coverage is similar in nature to that of Delhi and Mumbai Monthly. In the feature well, we aim for the best of The Indian, Human Interest and Esquire. We prize analysis and context in news, insights and how-to in our city guide, and the best damn story telling (period) in our features. Politics, social issues, culture, entertainment, celebrity interviews -- anything goes, so long as it is current or a unique look back at a significant (if nearly forgotten) past incident.
INN - Business news coverage is in the India Business Network tradition. We prize analysis and context in news, insights and how-to in our In the Black section. Business, economy and politics stories - including those that delve into social issues, culture and entertainment - anything goes, so long as it is current and provides a business perspective to the issue.
Although we are an English-language publication, 40% of our readers are Indians living in India. Roughly 25% of our online subscribers are Indians living abroad or Indo-American / Indo-British, etc. Foreigners reading the magazine are, in the majority, long-term residents of India or individuals and institutions abroad who follow Indian political, cultural and social issues.
In short, if your pitch isn't related to India and / or the South Asia - at least conceptually - then we're not terribly interested. Indo-Americans? Yes. Washington or London politics? Perhaps, if it is relevant to our readers.
We're a national current affairs title with some international news coverage. Pitch us stories about entertainment, politics, culture, social issues and business. We are decidedly not interested in "Exotic India" pieces. Photo essays are interesting as long as the topic is right.
Unless you have particularly unique experience or are an expert of some stripe commissioned to do an Op/Ed piece for us, we couldn't care less about your personal opinions. Some (slightly) opinionated analysis is good, but "campaigning" has no place - we're looking for good stories, well told.
We pay locally competitive rates in Indian Rupees to freelancers based in India, in US dollars to those abroad. Payment is within 30 days of publication. We're generally faster, but please allow a months from the issue date for receipt of payment. All rates are agreed upon in advance of assignment and are non-negotiable thereafter.
All stories must be submitted electronically as Word attachments in .RTF format (Mac or PC) as well as pasted into the body of the e-mail message. AP style is optional. Photos may also be sent electronically as JPG / GIF or PNG files. We will let you know additional details on resolution and size if you're sending us pics with your pieces.
Please direct any questions or pitches to editor@indiatell.org / hydnews@gmail.com with the words "INN - Freelance" in your subject heading.
