Pitches

Trucha’s mission is to provide thoughtful, inclusive, and high-quality stories from the Rio Grande Valley for our readers.

Follow our pitch guidelines to help improve your chances of getting your pitch accepted and published:

Last updated: Jan 8, 2025

  1. Provide a Concise Outline :
    In 200-300 words, share an outline of your story. Make sure to include a description of your article’s argument, details to bring the subject to life (such as a title, subheadings, links to resources, etc.), and why it’s an important topic for our region.
  2. Tell Us Who Your Target Audience Is
    In 100 words or less, dive into who your piece is targeted to and what they will take away from reading it. Please ensure that your story is being written for specific communities in the 956.
    For example: This story helps advocate or speak on issues concerning the local LGBTQIA+ or migrant communities.
  3. Tell Us Who You Are
    Are you a student at STC or UTRGV studying a specific topic? An activist from a local organization? Or someone in the community who has an important story to tell? Let us know in 100 words or less.
  4. Share Your Writing Samples
    Include links to 2-3 writing samples and details of your expertise, up to 2 pages max per sample. Any published or unpublished works, such as school essays, are accepted.Note: If you do not have any writing samples, share with us why you are passionate about writing this article. You don’t need writing experience to write a story.
  5. Submit Your Pitch
    Finalize your pitch outline – it can be written or an audio recording of your voice. Send materials via email to pitches@truchargv.com with the subject line PITCH_YOUR NAME.

FAQ

Who Can Submit A Pitch?

We accept pitches from people who live or grew up in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, Laredo, and the Northern Mexican side of the border region, including Reynosa, Matamoros, etc.

What Kind Of Stories Do You Publish?

We publish stories about local social justice movements, arts, and culture. Take a look at our editorial guidelines for an in-depth list of topics we cover.

What Do You Pay Your Writers?

  • Longform Feature — An in-depth investigative piece and/or a well-researched article digging into social justice topics: LGBTQIA+, environmental, reproductive justice, immigration, health, education, regional history/culture, and more.
    Word count: 800-1,200 words
    Rate: $0.50 per word
  • Op-Ed/Commentary — Well-researched articles on specific social issues that carry strong opinions yet align with our mission.
    Word count: 600-800 words
    Rate: $0.40 per word
  • Q&A Features/Interview Highlights — In-depth interviews/highlights on specific community groups, members, artists, and/or organizations of the Rio Grande Valley. Explores the intersectionality of social justice, arts, and culture.
    Word count: 600-800 words
    Rate: $0.40 per word
  • Instagram Articles — Small pop culture stories/current happenings that affect the RGV. These articles may also include topics on community art/culture events, short community highlights, and voting. All of these stories will live on our Instagram.
    Word count: 300-350 words
    Rate: $.30 per word

How You Be Contracted As An Illustrator?

We currently have open applications for illustrators to be a part of Trucha’s Illustrator Pool. The editor will contact you depending on the article’s needs. All you need to do is submit an illustrator portfolio to be considered at hello@truchargv.com.

What Do You Pay Your Illustrators?

We contract up to 2 illustrations per article and pay illustrators according to the following rates:

  • $150 for 1 detailed illustration for long-form articles; Longer deadlines (up to 1 week)
  • $75 each up to 2 smaller illustrations for website or Instagram articles, less detailed/should accent piece; Quicker deadlines (2-5 days)

Please note: We will pay you within three weeks after the publication of your article.

What Types Of Stories Are Not Accepted?

We do not accept any articles aimed to market or sell products. We do not hire people to write press releases, listicles, or product reviews. Any pitches sent to us on behalf of a company or nameless member of your team will be rejected.

We currently do not accept stories from people who did not grow up or are not from or living in the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and the Northern Mexican side of the border region.

We do not accept articles that have been previously published.

Who Are You Publishing For?

There are many untold stories in the RGV that deserve to be shared with the world. This is why we publish stories for our community (Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, and Cameron County), which include the working class, artists, dreamers, organizers, families, and neighbors.

If My Pitch Is Approved, What’s Next?

  • The editor will set up a virtual meeting to meet you and establish a timeline with you.
  • You must maintain open communication with editorial staff and update them if any conflicts occur throughout the established timeline.
  • Editors will help edit and review your piece for clarity while supporting your unique voice throughout the process.
  • Once the article has been published, it will be promoted on all our social media channels.

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