At Goya, we receive a large volume of pitches as contributions for the Goya Journal. In a bid to make things easier for you (and for ourselves!), we have put together a few guidelines on how to pitch effectively.
While we love a well-written, compelling personal essay, we are deeply interested in looking at food through well-researched and reported stories. Here are a few ideas to help you get thinking in the right direction:
Stories of people who are doing incredible things in food, who are chasing audacious dreams — farmers, entrepreneurs, feni-makers, local bakers, retailers, designers, bartenders, homecooks, authors.
Recipes with a great backstory; recipes from a lesser-known cuisine.
How we are eating today!. Food is an expression of where we are at this point of time in history. Tell us about the Whatsapp groups, ready-to-cook spice mixes that are key to your meals; your local bakery, how you stock your pantry, your favourite street cart.
Ingredient-led essays
Small businesses, stores, or restaurants creating deep impact
Stories that cover the intersectionalities of food — these are often the most exciting stories out there. Where political, historic, sociological, economic, or environmental stories intersect with stories of food, produce, farmers, or communities.
We love a good photo-essay!
Conversations on the cultural impact of trends, and shifts in dialogue
Stories from home kitchens
Travel stories that explore culture through cuisine
Guides for the home cook
How to pitch:
We love stories that have a clear voice and a strong opinion. Your pitch should have both, backed up with research and expertise. Including the sources you plan to quote will make your pitch stronger. While it isn’t necessary that you’ve been previously published, it is important you have the necessary expertise to write this particular piece.
While we’re always looking for new topics and unusual angles that have not been covered on the Goya Journal before, it goes without saying that your pitch will be stronger if you read previously published pieces and familiarise yourself with the style — and make sure the story you’re pitching is not one that has been published recently. And it goes without saying, Goya does not publish previously published pieces.
Photographers & Illustrators:
Goya loves art, and we're always looking for new photo and illustrator talent to work with. Send us a link to your portfolio or editorial work, and we'll be in touch.
Email us:
Send us an email with your pitch. The pitch must include a clear headline, followed by an intro or blurb, and then a 1-2 paragraph pitch outlining the story. Mention the headline in your email subject, and if it is time sensitive. Please also state if you have photographs to go with the story in your initial email (photo guidelines here. If you have a video clip with your story, that will help with promotions on social media.
Send your email to hello@goyamedia.in