How to Pitch Modus

Modus only publishes work by professional journalists and other writers (it has published poetry in the past). Opinion essays are considered but must be exceptionally strong.

If you’re interested in contributing, here’s how and what you can expect.

Freelance journalists

Modus is looking for original reporting that will grip readers working for and with family offices. A good story could be short and share something new about a family office, asset manager or service provider. But Modus is most interested in long, deeply reported profiles of companies and people (like this one about the leader of Goldman Sachs’ family-office whisperers) or an explanation of a trend that hasn’t been covered yet. A successful pitch is a preview of a great story — an article with a narrative — and not just a topic.

If Modus is interested in the article, journalists can expect to work closely with editor Michael Thrasher throughout the revision process and fact-checking. Depending on the subject and nature of a story, Modus might also hire a seasoned freelance editor to work with a freelancer.

Freelancer journalists are paid $1 per word. That compensation is negotiable depending on a story’s length and the time and intensity of reporting. Modus pays journalists promptly when their work is published.

Article pitches should be emailed to Modus editor Michael Thrasher: [email protected]

All article pitches should include:

• A brief bio about yourself.

• Links to past stories that show your strength as a reporter and writer.

• A few paragraphs explaining the crux of the story, why now is the time to write it, your reporting process up to that point, and a plan for reporting going forward.

• How long you think the story will be.

• A timeline for when the draft of the story will be completed and filed, as well as any deadline before it should be published.

Opinion essayists

Modus will selectively publish opinion essays about a wide range of topics by various authors.

Successful opinion essays are timely and newsworthy, forward-looking, and offer readers original ideas and insights. A simple hot take on a debate would need to have some of the characteristics previously mentioned and be exceedingly strong.

Modus does not usually pay opinion essayists, but it would consider compensating an author, especially a professional writer. 

Would-be authors of opinion essays must email pitches directly to Modus editor Michael Thrasher: [email protected]

All opinion essay pitches should include:

• A brief bio about yourself.

• If possible, links to other works that show your writing strength.

• A few paragraphs explaining your essay, why now is the time to write it, and how you can or plan to support your argument.

• A timeline for when the draft of the essay will be completed and filed, as well as any deadline by which it should be published.

• Disclose any financial or other interests you have related to the topic.

Poetry, fiction and other art

Modus is eager to publish other kinds of writing, including poetry, fiction and short graphic novels. The publication is dedicated to paying artists fairly for their work and discusses compensation on a case-by-case basis.

If you have an idea, email Modus editor Michael Thrasher: [email protected]