How to Pitch Modus

Modus publishes a weekly newsletter, short and long-form articles, opinion essays, and more about a wide range of topics relevant to family-office professionals. 

Few unsolicited works are accepted but Modus is eager to support other journalists and share new perspectives. 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: michael.thrasher@modus.news

All article pitches should include:

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: michael.thrasher@modus.news

All opinion essay pitches should include:

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: michael.thrasher@modus.news