We are looking for expert voices to provide data-driven, independent reporting on the Appalachian region.
The Hill Voice is a professional, data-driven publication focused on the economy, culture, environment, and policies shaping the 13-state Appalachian region. We aim to be the primary source of objective analysis for leaders, investors, academics, and residents.
To achieve this, we partner with talented journalists, regional experts, data analysts, and researchers who share our commitment to high-quality, non-partisan reporting. We pay competitive rates for original work.
What We’re Looking For
We commission stories that align with our core pillars. Your pitch should go beyond simple news updates and provide deep analysis, original reporting, or data-driven insights.
Content Types:
- Data-Driven Analysis: Deep dives into economic, demographic, or environmental data (e.g., from ARC, BLS, EPA) that reveal a new trend or challenge. Data visualization is highly encouraged.
- Investigative Reporting: Long-form stories that uncover systemic issues, follow the money (e.g., settlement funds, federal grants), or hold public/private entities accountable.
- Expert Explainers: Articles from policy experts, academics, or industry professionals that break down complex topics (e.g., “What is the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund?” or “The Economics of Broadband Deployment in Mountainous Terrain”).
- Nuanced Cultural Reporting: Stories that move past stereotypes to explore the region’s modern identity, cultural heritage, and the business of culture (e.g., tourism, arts, foodways).
Our Ideal Contributors Are:
- Experienced journalists with a background in regional, business, or policy reporting.
- Data scientists and analysts who can find and visualize compelling stories within public datasets.
- Community leaders and residents with specific, on-the-ground knowledge that provides an authentic, expert perspective.
What We Do Not Publish
To maintain our editorial focus, we generally do not accept:
- Unsolicited op-eds or personal essays that are not backed by specific, verifiable expertise.
- General guest posts, marketing content, or articles intended for SEO link-building.
- Pitches that perpetuate “hillbilly” or other outdated regional stereotypes.
- Breaking news summaries that do not provide new, original analysis or reporting.
How to Pitch
Please send your pitch to contact@thehillvoice.com. Do not send completed drafts.
A strong pitch includes:
- A specific, compelling headline and a 3-5 sentence summary of your story.
- Why now? What is the news hook that makes this story timely and important for our readers?
- Your sources. What data, reports, or interviews will you use to build your story? (e.g., “I will be analyzing the new ARC grant data…”)
- A brief bio outlining your expertise in this subject area and 2-3 links to your most relevant published work.
Our Process
Please send your pitch at contact@thehillvoice.com. We review all pitches as quickly as possible, but due to volume, we may only be able to respond if we are interested. If your pitch is a good fit, we will typically respond within 7-10 business days.
All accepted articles will go through a collaborative editorial process, including developmental editing and rigorous fact-checking, to ensure they meet our standards of quality, accuracy, and objectivity.