How to pitch HEIST

We are looking for local features, reportage, essays with a real argument behind them, oral histories, nonfiction translations — anything that makes us sit up and take notice. Send us stories that you think matter to people living in Berlin: the underreported, the hyperlocal, a new or investigative lens on an evergreen issue. 

We don’t mind if your topic has been reported on in German. If it’s been covered in English already, you’ll need a fresh angle or a timely hook. 

To pitch us, you can send us an email at hello@heistberlin.com. Tell us your idea in two to four paragraphs, along with a few sentences about yourself. Don't just say what your story is about – we also want to know what’s going to happen. Clips are not a prerequisite, but send them if they'll help illustrate why you’re the one to deliver the story. 

A few examples of what we’re always into:

• Political or societal narratives you don’t see from domestic media
• Cultural profiles and interviews, especially if there’s a strong hook 
• Semi-confirmed local rumours 
• Profiles of workers with an unusual or interesting job 
• Stories that focus on a single building, an object, or an overlooked corner of the city
• Reporting that takes you onto the streets of Berlin 
• Magazine-style narrative (quirky neighbourhood happenings, first-person adventures, crime capers)  
• Answers to life-in-Berlin questions like “Can I legally hire a witch to curse my ex?” or “Who is in charge of removing political graffiti?” 

HEIST is committed to fair practices for freelance writers, reporters and translators. Our rates are based on the best offer we can make for the work. 

Questions about our freelancer policies? Email ruthie@heistberlin.com