Pitching Guidelines

WHO WE ARE
At Good Grit, we believe the best storytelling inspires people to pack their bags and experience the South for themselves. In our pages and online, we explore the modern South with reverence and curiosity, uncovering the landscapes, cultures, and unique personalities that make this region so special.

Our readers aren’t just observers. They’re the trip planners and tastemakers shaping the decisions of their families and friends. With a strong focus on Southern travel and lifestyle, we celebrate the destinations, traditions, and people redefining how the South is explored, experienced, and celebrated.

As a contributor, your voice helps shape how we inspire discovery and deepen our audience’s love for the Southern story. Whether you’re writing about a remarkable road trip, a maker redefining craft, or a legacy worth preserving, we’re looking for work that feels authentic, transportive, aspirational, and rooted in the South.

Good Grit exists to do more than tell stories. We inspire people to go live them.

WHAT TO PITCH
We publish four seasonal print issues each year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) alongside original digital stories throughout the year. We’re always looking for:

  • Southern travel features with personality and place at the center
  • Profiles of compelling Southern makers, chefs, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, or cultural icons
  • Destination stories—from small-town gems to rising city scenes
  • Thoughtful lifestyle pieces that highlight the uniqueness of Southern expression (food/drink, design/architecture, wellness, heritage)
  • Meaningful storytelling about people or communities changing the South for the better

Bonus points for:

  • Timely tie-ins to seasonal themes or cultural moments
  • Story-driven service journalism (i.e., how-tos, itineraries, or curated sidebars)
  • Digital companion opportunities that extend the story online

HOW TO PITCH US
In an effort to enhance the contributor experience and better manage submissions, we now accept pitches exclusively through our online submission form.

Ready to share your idea? 

Your pitch should include:

  • 1–2 short paragraphs explaining the story idea and why it matters to our audience
  • Must have a natural tie-in to Southern travel/lifestyle
  • Relevant links to writing sample(s) or past work
  • Whether you’d include original photography, if applicable

Important Notes: 

  • Due to the high volume of emails we receive, pitches that don’t follow these instructions won’t be considered. 
  • We ask that you submit one pitch per form. If you have multiple ideas, we’d love to see them—just send each as its own submission.
  • We aim to respond within three weeks if your pitch is being considered. If you haven’t heard back after a follow-up or two, feel free to pitch elsewhere—we understand and appreciate your hustle.

VOICE + STYLE
Good Grit’s voice is warm, intelligent, grounded, and editorially rich. Our readers are millennial women who love to know the best places/recommendations/styles/trends (with spouses/companions who love to sneak a peek!). Our tone is:

  • Southern without stereotypes
  • Inspiring, not saccharine
  • Authentic, not overly polished
  • Uplifting, but never fluffy

We love stories that move people. After all, we’re Southerners at heart! 

SUBMISSION FORMAT
Once your pitch has been accepted, we’ll confirm the assignment by sending you a contract for electronic signature. Here’s what you need to know about submitting your work:

  • Word Count:
    • Most features: 600–1000 words
    • Longform: 1200–1500 words
    • Companion copy or digital: 500–750 words

 

  • Compensation:
    Compensation is determined by assignment type, scope, subject, and complexity. Print assignments are paid on a per-word basis, while digital assignments are paid a flat rate per story.

 

  • File Format:
    Submit as a Google Doc with sharing enabled
    Use single spacing, one return between paragraphs, no tabs

 

  • Supporting media
    Include links to photos (with credit) and/or contact information for obtaining assets

 

  • Grammar/Style:
    • We follow AP style with some in-house quirks.
    • Oxford comma? Yes, ma’am.
    • Em dashes? No spaces.

 

  • Byline:
    “Words by [Your Name]” at the top of the piece
    Include how you’d like your name to appear in the contributor credits

 

  • Fact-Checking & Sources:
    Please make sure the key details in your pitch are accurate and include links to any relevant research or sources. If you already have interview sources in mind, feel free to include their names and contact information.

Writers will be responsible for fully fact-checking and sourcing their stories before final submission.

  • Tear Sheets + Comp Issues:
    You’ll receive a digital tear sheet and printed issue
    Send mailing addresses for yourself and any key sources you’d like added to the comp list

A Note About AI 

At Good Grit, we believe the best stories come from real reporting, genuine curiosity, and a writer’s unique voice. While AI tools can be helpful for tasks like proofreading, transcription, research organization, or light editing, we expect every pitch and submission to be the writer’s original work.

We look forward to your original pitches and submissions.

CORE VALUES FOR CONTRIBUTORS: 

  1. Stories with Soul: Write what matters. Make readers feel something.
  2. Respectful Representation: Honor your subjects and their communities.
  3. Clear Communication: Stay on track, keep us in the loop, and ask questions if you need help.
  4. On Purpose: Be intentional with your storytelling—good writing is never by accident.
  5. Integrity & Grit: We expect excellence and kindness, even under deadline pressure.

READY TO JOIN OUR STORY?
If you’ve got an idea to share, pitch us! Let’s tell good stories, together.

QUESTIONS?

For questions about pitching or contributing to Good Grit, please contact Sarah Cait Sawyer, Managing Editor, at scsawyer@goodgritmag.com. Please submit all story pitches through the online form above.