How to Write for Psychology Today: A Complete Guide

To write for Psychology Today, you must submit a proposal through their online submission manager, typically for a regular blog or a magazine article, and meet their editorial standards for expertise and originality. The process is competitive, and most content is written by a network of expert authors who publish regularly on specific themes.

Psychology Today is a leading media outlet covering human behavior and mental health, read by both professionals and the general public. They accept proposals from clinicians, scientists, mental health experts, and writers with relevant expertise. This guide covers the submission process, what editors look for, and how to craft a successful pitch, based on official guidelines and expert advice.

Understanding Psychology Today's Contributor Model

Psychology Today primarily relies on a network of expert authors who contribute regular blog posts. Each author typically focuses on a particular theme or set of topics, allowing them to build a following and establish authority. According to the Writer's Guidelines, most articles on the website are written by these expert authors, and many magazine contributors begin as Psychology Today bloggers.

To become a contributor, you need to propose a blog or article idea. The submission process is handled through their online platform at psychologytoday.submittable.com. You'll need to describe your proposal, explain why you want to start the blog now, and outline what qualifies you or the proposed author to write it. You may also attach or include links to 1-3 samples of previously published writing.

Psychology Today values originality, insight, and good reporting. They do not consider poetry or fiction. For magazine articles, you should explain what you'd like to write, mention potential sources, and indicate if your proposal suits a particular section. Due to the volume of queries, they cannot respond to all proposals, so it's essential to make your pitch stand out.

What Psychology Today Looks For in Contributors

Psychology Today's editorial standards are high. According to their Editorial Process, all expert author content is reviewed, edited, and fact-checked for accuracy, objectivity, and to ascertain that the author has relevant domain expertise. They seek contributors who are clinicians, scientists, mental health experts, or writers with a strong background in psychology-related topics.

They also welcome authors with lived experience, particularly in mental illness. These pieces are labeled "Personal Perspectives" and are written in the first person. However, even these must meet editorial standards and are vetted by the editorial team.

Key qualities they look for include:

• Expertise: You should have relevant credentials or experience in your topic area.
• Originality: Your idea should offer a fresh perspective or new insight.
• Clarity: Your writing should be accessible to a broad audience, avoiding jargon.
• Objectivity: Content should be balanced and well-reasoned, with opinions clearly labeled.

How to Submit a Blog Proposal

To propose a new Psychology Today blog, visit the submission manager. You'll need to provide:

1. Proposal description: Clearly explain your blog's theme, target audience, and why it's needed now.
2. Motivation: Why do you want to start this blog at this time?
3. Qualifications: What makes you or the proposed author an expert on this topic?
4. Writing samples: Attach or link to 1-3 previously published pieces.

Your proposal should demonstrate a clear niche and a sustainable angle. Psychology Today covers a vast range of topics, from clinical psychology to cultural trends, so specificity helps. For example, instead of a general blog on anxiety, propose a blog on anxiety in high-achieving professionals or anxiety management for new parents.

How to Submit a Magazine Article Pitch

If you're interested in writing for the print magazine, the process is similar but with additional requirements. According to the Writer's Guidelines, you should:

• Explain what you'd like to write and why it's a good fit for the magazine.
• Mention sources you might contact for reporting.
• Indicate if your proposal suits a particular section of the magazine.
• Tell them why you want to write this piece now and why you should be the one to write it.
• Attach or link to 1-3 clips of previously published writing.

Magazine articles often require more in-depth reporting and a stronger news hook. Psychology Today values well-researched pieces that offer new insights into human behavior. They do not consider poetry or fiction, and they prioritize clearly articulated story ideas.

Tips for a Successful Pitch

Based on the guidelines and expert advice, here are actionable tips to improve your chances:

• Be specific: Avoid broad topics. Instead of "mental health," pitch "the psychological impact of remote work on Gen Z."
• Show your expertise: Highlight your credentials, experience, or unique perspective. If you have lived experience, mention it.
• Provide samples: Include links to your best writing that demonstrate your ability to engage readers.
• Explain the timeliness: Why is your topic relevant now? Tie it to current events, research, or cultural trends.
• Follow guidelines: Adhere to the submission requirements exactly. Incomplete proposals may be ignored.

Remember, Psychology Today receives many queries, so your pitch needs to stand out immediately. A clear, compelling proposal that shows you understand their audience and standards will have a better chance.

Conclusion

Writing for Psychology Today requires a strategic approach: understand their contributor model, craft a compelling proposal, and adhere to their editorial standards. Whether you aim to start a blog or contribute to the magazine, focus on originality, expertise, and reader value. By following the official guidelines and learning from successful profiles, you can increase your chances of becoming a Psychology Today contributor.