Write for StateLeak — Contributor Guidelines for Independent Journalists and Researchers

Who We Publish

StateLeak publishes contributions from independent journalists, investigative reporters, academic researchers, policy analysts, legal professionals, former officials, and subject-matter experts with direct knowledge of the areas we cover.

We do not require institutional affiliation. We do require demonstrated expertise, editorial discipline, and a commitment to the same verification standards that govern our in-house reporting. A strong pitch backed by documented evidence will be taken seriously regardless of the contributor's profile.

What We Are Looking For

StateLeak is interested in original reporting and analysis across our eight editorial categories: Investigations, Leaks, State Power, Intelligence & Security, Global Affairs, Economy & Resources, Surveillance & Technology, and Opinion & Analysis.

We are specifically looking for:

• Original investigations based on documents, data, or verified source testimony
• Analysis of geopolitical events that goes beyond surface-level commentary
• Reporting from regions or sectors with limited independent media coverage
• Expert commentary on intelligence, legal, financial, or technological matters relevant to state power and accountability
• Contextual deep-dives that explain the structural forces behind major public events

We are not looking for: news summaries of publicly available information, opinion pieces that lack evidentiary foundation, content that promotes a political party or movement, or material that has been simultaneously submitted to other publications without disclosure.

How to Pitch

Send your pitch to [email protected] with the subject line "Contributor Pitch: [Working Title]."

Your pitch should include:

• A summary of the story, argument, or investigation (200–400 words)
• The evidence or sourcing basis for the piece
• Why this story is relevant now and why StateLeak's readers need to read it
• A brief description of your relevant expertise or experience
• Your estimated word count and proposed delivery timeline

Do not send completed articles before receiving editorial feedback on your pitch. Unsolicited full-length manuscripts may not receive a timely response.

Editorial Standards for Contributors

All external contributors are bound by StateLeak's Editorial Standards. This means: factual claims must be sourced and verifiable; sources must be assessed for reliability; anonymous sources must meet our anonymity criteria; subjects of critical reporting must be given the opportunity to respond; and any conflict of interest must be disclosed to our editorial team before assignment.

We edit for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with our house standards. We do not rewrite the substance of a contributor's work without consultation. Changes that affect factual claims are discussed with contributors before publication.

Compensation

StateLeak compensates contributors for accepted work. Rates are discussed at the point of commission and reflect the scope and resource requirements of the piece. We do not accept unpaid "exposure" as a proposition to experienced contributors.

Simultaneous Submissions

We accept exclusive pitches only. If you are in discussions with another publication about the same piece, please inform us. We do not publish work that has been published elsewhere without disclosure and editorial agreement.

Response Times

We aim to respond to pitches within 10 business days. If you have not received a response after this period, a polite follow-up is appropriate. We read everything submitted.