As we do every month, in August we will pay two contributors for news features to be published in The Dominion.  We prioritize solutions-oriented news pieces with a Canadian angle, including photo essays and video pitches.

We also really recommend you take a look at the stories proposed by other Media Co-op members here. Some of the topics being suggested this month include:

• Changes to the Newfoundland and Labrador Access to Information Act
• Alternative currencies
• The dismantling of Canada's public health system

Part of our mission is to include readers in our editorial process, so we're more likely to select strong pitches that touch on the topics suggested by our readers.

Pitches are welcome from anyone; priority for payment goes to those who have previously contributed.

Deadline for pitches: Wednesday August 1 at Midnight
Response to pitches by: Monday August 6
First drafts due: August 15
Final copy due: August 31

1. Set up a Media Co-op account (if you don’t already have one): http://mediacoop.ca/user

2. Check out our writer’s guide for hot topics and details about writing for The Dominion: http://dominionpaper.ca/write

3. Peruse the Media Co-op discussion page for story ideas: http://www.mediacoop.ca/group/discuss/10957

4. Pitch!: http://mediacoop.ca/pitch

5. Info about making a video pitch: http://dominionpaper.ca/video/create. To pitch a video news clip, contact us:  http://dominionpaper.ca/contact

The deal:

Pitches should be less than 200 words and include your planned sources and research. An entire story submitted as a pitch will not be considered for payment. The Media Co-op currently pays a flat rate of $100 for accepted stories. Articles are either 750 or 1500 words. See the video guidelines for length of videos.

Editors reserve the right to suggest changes and edit stories (with your participation, of course!). Pitches should capture the content, tone and style of the story you plan to submit; if the content submitted differs significantly from the pitch, editors reserve the right to withhold payment. We accept pitches at any time.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

The Media Co-op team