Westword Is Seeking Freelance Writers

Interested in covering — and uncovering — important stories in metro Denver?

October 17, 2023

Image: photos of old building, sign, downtown Denver.

Reporting on the city, from the heart of the city. Westword

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Westword is seeking freelance writers for most of our verticals: Arts & Culture, Music, Cannabis & Psychedelics, and Food & Drink. Join the editorial team that’s been changing the journalism landscape of the Mile High City since 1977.

The best way to break into Westword: Pitch an idea that’s so good, we simply can’t refuse it. Please search the Westword archives (use Google as well as the Westword site search function) to see what we might have published on a specific subject before you make your pitch. We promise 24-hour turnaround on an idea with a time hook, one week otherwise. We set story length, deadlines and fees after we approve an idea; payment is upon publication.

When you email us, send some writing samples (if you have them), your résumé, and, of course, your story ideas. Below are the sections where those ideas might go, and the freelancing opportunities in each.

Arts & Culture

Arts and culture stories range from breaking arts news (a new street mural appears, Denver announces Mayor’s Award winners...and they suck, etc.), Q&As with local artists or international figures coming to town, fun (and useful) events/activities lists. Pitch Culture Editor Emily Ferguson at [email protected].

Music

Music stories range from profiles to breaking music news to timely lists. We’re always looking for writers with fresh viewpoints — about the local scene and touring artists, in particular. Pitch [email protected].

Cannabis & Psychedelics

We are always looking for compelling stories about cannabis and psychedelics — from articles on pot/pottery classes to new dispensary openings to interviews with ganjapreneurs and psilocybin researchers. Pitch Cannabis Editor Thomas Mitchell at [email protected].

Food & Drink

Food and drink stories range from breaking restaurant news and interviews with local restaurateurs/national figures coming to town to fun (and useful) lists. Pitch Food & Drink Editor Molly Martin at [email protected].

Photography

Westword is fortunate to have a talented group of freelancers we work with on covers and feature assignments. If you're interested in joining their ranks, send information (including links to your work) to [email protected].

Any other questions? Send them to [email protected].

And please, no phone calls.

Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

A message from Patricia Calhoun: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of essential stories and to investigate issues that matter.

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