SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS
OBSCURE HISTORIES has currently paused submissions.
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The pieces we publish are submitted by our global community. We work to foster an environment of collaboration and respect for each author and their contribution.
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We prioritize publishing histories about marginalized peoples from around the world, but we welcome all pitches about history and historical content.
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Authors are compensated at market freelance rate by word count, or with an in-kind donation receipt.
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The below guidelines are broadly general. Please read carefully. Each submission is treated individually.
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Please use the inquiry form below to register your contact information and share your interests. You can also submit a pitch here.
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We feel strongly about paying you for your time and contribution. As a nonprofit, however, we also won't turn away volunteer assistance, if offered. In-kind donation receipts available.
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Step 1
PITCH
Length
A short paragraph (2-3 sentences) that summarizes your topic.
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Sources
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List primary materials you will use as a research base (documents, images, artifacts, etc.).
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Include 2-3 secondary sources.
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Link to online sources, if possible.
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Initial Contact
Use the "Contact Us" form to reach out to the team, and we will be in touch with how to proceed. You can use the contact form to outline your pitch and sources. ​
Step 2
SUBMISSION
Specs
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1000-1500 words
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Google Docs (or Word)
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Online sources linked in body of text
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Small number of footnotes are ok
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Images — referenced with links and captions. Public Domain images preferred.
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List "further reading" sources at end, Chicago MS. You can reference your main sources here, but additional sources are welcome.
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Language
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Newspaper level (~10th-11th grade)
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Submit
Submission information will be shared with you after your pitch has been approved.​
Step 3
PUBLICATION
Process
The OH editorial staff and author will edit and fine tune the piece together to fit the OH audience. Once the piece is in a good place, the editorial staff will discuss the publication timeline.
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At this time, the author will be asked to submit a teaser paragraph for the website.
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Payment
​We pay authors competitive market rates for each piece. We wire transfer the payment to the author once the majority of the work has been done on the piece and all parties are satisfied that only minor tweaks remain.
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If you would like to donate your piece to OH, you will receive an "in-kind" donation receipt for your contribution.​
ONLINE ARCHIVES / RESOURCES
IMAGES
Please use images that are in the Public Domain or Creative Commons. Please identify and link to all images found online in your captions.
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OH, Jr. Resources
Obscure Histories, Jr. has a page of extensive links to search engines for online visual materials. If you use an image from a museum, check to make sure it isn’t restricted. Note links and all citation information for your caption.
Research Resources
Free | Online | Searchable
SUBMIT AN IDEA
Have an idea for a topic but don't want to write it? Send it along and we will match it with an author. You'll get the credit for the topic.
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We look forward to hearing from you.