The Walrus: Feature Pitch
Overview
The Walrus is a Canadian general-interest magazine known for its in-depth journalism, essays, and cultural criticism. Its feature section publishes reported pieces that combine thorough research with compelling storytelling, often exploring underreported stories with significant social, political, or cultural dimensions. The magazine's editorial approach favors narratives that illuminate broader issues through specific, well-documented cases. For this rolling call, The Walrus seeks pitches for two formats: reported features (1,200–2,000 words) and long-form journalism (2,500–5,000 words). The magazine does not charge a submission fee. While no prize is associated with publication, accepted pitches lead to commissioned work and publication in a nationally recognized outlet. The editorial team values pitches that demonstrate preliminary research, access to sources, and a clear narrative arc. The curatorial vision is evident in the examples provided: stories that blend human interest with investigative rigor, such as a family divided by law enforcement and organized crime, a mysterious disappearance, or a profile of a tech figure with societal implications. The Walrus looks for stories, not just subjects—meaning that pitches should convey a narrative with characters, tension, and stakes, rather than merely proposing a topic.