• Columbia Insight’s focus is covering environmental issues in the Columbia River Basin. We also publish stories that help tell the story of the Basin and offer readers a deeper look at the natural world they inhabit. We publish stories about issues that are not receiving adequate coverage elsewhere, and/or to offer a unique perspective and create a deeper awareness of these important environmental issues. 
  • Columbia Insight accepts pitches for stories and will consider finished stories. We will also consider stories in other media formats, including podcasts, videos, etc. If we do accept a pitch or a finished story, the publisher/editor will help guide the editorial process and will work with the writer regarding style, content and format. Please email pitches and/or finished stories to info@columbiainsight.org.  
  • Our pieces typically run between 500-2000 words. Compensation for stories depends on the story’s scope and length, and the writer’s experience. Rates will be agreed upon by both parties before any story is assigned or accepted. 
  • Contributing writers will maintain the full rights to their story, but Columbia Insight will purchase first rights for digital and print media. All stories will be published on our website and social media pages. After the writer is paid, Columbia Insight also reserves the right to share these stories in whatever way the publication sees fit. However, the articles will not be re-published without the explicit permission of the writer. If Columbia Insight negotiates a re-publishing fee, the writer will be included in this negotiation and the writer will receive an agreed-upon percentage of this fee. 
  • We believe in fair and balanced journalism. Stories published in Columbia Insight are based on the best available science and/or factual information. These facts must be backed up with citations (hyperlinks), quotes from sources, etc. Articles do not reflect the personal opinions or biases of the writer. 
  • We also publish opinion essays and op-eds. These pieces can reflect the personal experiences and opinions of the writer, but these opinions must still be rooted in facts. 
  • Writers must proof their drafts before submitting for accuracy (fact-checking), spelling, grammar, punctuation and references (hyperlinks). Please refrain from passive voice when possible. For opinion pieces use the first person (I) rather than you or we. 
  • We require a short bio and photo to include with submissions. 
  • When stories are approved, a deadline for a first draft will be set. The final edits should be completed within a week of receiving comments back from the editor/s. If stories are not submitted by the deadlines, and/or final edits are not addressed and received in a timely manner, there is no guarantee of payment. 
  • Columbia Insight will make the final edits and rewrites as needed. We try to bring the author in to do rewrites and edits after the first draft, but if there are additional edits needed after that, Columbia Insight reserves the right to make changes before publishing without author consent, due to limited staff time. 
  • In order to receive payment, the author must submit an invoice after the final edits are complete and all other items above are addressed and complete. 
  • We cannot guarantee when or if we will publish stories once they are received due to the time and space constraints of the publication.