Got something to say, dear readers? Xpress is putting out an open call for well-written commentary pieces on relevant local issues.
That’s right, Xpress is inviting you, if you’ve got an opinion you’d like to see on our pages, to submit a column or a column idea. Here are the rules:
* A commentary can be no longer than 1,000 words.
* The topic must be local in nature.
* You, as the writer, must have either a personal connection to the topic or enough expertise in the matter to write a thoughtful, accurate column.
* Prepare to be edited.
Columns should be submitted to opinion@mountainx.com.
— David Forbes, staff writer
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
Sounds good but I hope you do not expect us to do your job for free… what’s the pay rate? Thanks.
Hi Pro Writer,
Our commentary pay rates vary depending on the topic and other factors. Please feel free to query us at opinion@mountainx.com before you draft a commentary.
Best,
Jon Elliston
Managing Editor
I’m going to Asheville for a wedding and I’m looking for some activities to do on Sat. and Sun. I’m trying to get an insider scoop on the best places to visit. If you had to list your top 5 favorite things to do in Asheville what would they be? I appreciate it! :)
Is this an open call or is there a deadline for submission?
Ten bucks says “Pro Writer” is not local and has a hundred stock articles ready to go, direct from his stash on helium.com.
/Snark
I know a guy, but he’s “banned”.
You know when you aren’t a “pro writer” when you ask what the pay is.
Looks liek ya’ll could use a clipart guy, too.
Pixelated is the new black.
Is the AC-T still getting readers to submit their political cartoons for free? I thought that was a pretty smart cost-cutting measure.
Good point, Brebro. You could ask David Cohen.
Jon,
Is there a deadline for submissions?
Hi folks,
It’s an open call, so no particular deadline. And it’s probably best to send a query e-mail with your idea before drafing an entire commentary — though you’re certainly welcome to take that route as well.
Jon Elliston
Brent—-
The Citizen DOES still accept political cartoons from the public; it seems that only a few of the cartoonists out there submit, because they tend to print those from the same cartoonists. Today’s cartoon (Saturday August 1st) is by a regular submitter.
While I have my regular days for being published, I never know when the paper is going to print a publicly submitted cartoon. I suspect that neither does that cartoonist.
In any case, after many years of getting cartoons published for free for the “exposure”, I am happy to have a regular forum where I get compensated for my work. As you must be as well!
I love your work, and look forward to reading it!
Thanks RanMol and DavCoh!