Drivers, restaurant workers, teachers, building supers, doctors, residents — anyone with a vantage point on how the city actually works.

Who can pitch

You do not need journalism experience or a degree. You need:

• A story or story idea that someone outside your world has not heard.
• Willingness to do basic reporting — talk to two or three people, look up a public record, take a photo.
• Willingness to be edited.

How to pitch

Email pitch@usatimes.com with the subject line “Pitch: [your story idea in 8 words].” Include:

1. What is the story? (2–3 sentences)
2. Why now?
3. Why you?
4. Who would you talk to?
5. Any possible conflict of interest.

After you pitch

You will hear back within five business days. If we want to commission the piece, we agree on a deadline, target word count, and freelance rate.

What we do not run

• Personal essays without a reporting hook.
• Service journalism based on internet research alone.
• Stories about your own business or employer, unless declared and edited carefully.