Smithsonian Magazine - Anybody has contacts Please...?

Last year, Smithsonian introduced an online submission form for queries, and now it’s the only way to get your pitch to the editors. Implementing this new system was “essential” because Smithsonian receives 4,000-plus pitches a year, according to Andrea Georgiou, the assistant to the editor. Don’t bother emailing or calling in with your pitch, as you’ll just be asked to re-submit it via the Web site. But, don’t be put off by the generic system because “every single query is now logged into a database, reviewed, and answered,” Georgiou says. They insist that the magazine’s online submission form is the best bet; all pitches that come in that way are read and treated seriously, and those addressed directly to editors wind up in there anyway. Follow-up phone calls, or at least those directed at Winfrey, are “a capital offense,” he says.

Alex, which is to say I think you should use the form..if you really want them, I have a couple names and a phone number, but sounds like a bad idea. About 40% of the written content is freelance, but I don’t known how much is photo driven..most likely it is the other way around. But send it in..

Hi Erica,

thank you. I understand. It looked to me a lot more word-led than picture-led, but they assign photographers I believe as I would like to be more in touch, let say. Though, I would use the form to pitch stories.

If you have those names to introduce myself, maybe that is the best way to do so…(?)

Thank you again,

Best,

Alex