Writing for the Debrief

How can you contribute to the Debrief?

There are many ways you can contribute to the Debrief. You can comment on articles or write to us with your reactions. Our regular mailbag editions feature readers' experiences. The Debrief also does interviews with folk from the disability movement and features the work (poetry, visual art, etc) of disabled people.

If you’d like to write an article for the Debrief, here’s what you need to know…

What we're looking for

We're looking to publish stories you wouldn't read elsewhere. One of our guiding philosophies is that if something already exists, we link to it rather than reproduce it. We want to tell disability stories in a new way, and throw light on subjects that aren't being covered elsewhere.

We're not looking for straight advocacy. If you're writing an advocacy article, that might be better on another platform. If it could be published on an NGO website, publish it there and we'll link to it. If you're getting into reflections, nuance or challenging complications, that's up our street.

We’re particularly looking for contributors with disabilities from the Global South. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, photographer, we want to hear from you. We don't hear enough from disabled people in low- and middle-income countries – let's work together to fix this!

We are looking for authentic and original voices. We value diversity of opinion and voices. Some contributors already write professionally, or are established journalists. Others are writing for the first time. We will work with you to make it happen. We value stories told by humans, not by AI.

A good way to know what makes a Debrief article is to read some examples from previous contributors:

Things you should know

Writing an article is hard. It's definitely not for everyone. Articles often involve research or reporting. Even where they're based on what you've lived and know already, that isn't always easy to put into words.

The Debrief has its own style. Read more about the disability lens on world news. The Debrief style is grounded in lived experience, but combined with analysis, reflection and reporting.

The Debrief has a particular format:

  • Articles are written for the disability community and disability curious.
  • Debrief articles are sent as emails and written as a conversation. They begin with a greeting and end with a sign-off. They are more friendly than formal.
  • Length is typically between 1,500 and 2,500 words.
  • Articles close with an acknowledgements section.

There are different types of Debrief article. So far, they have included:

We haven't published fictional writing yet but would welcome it!

Many people start with a feature. A feature allows you to explore a specific topic, using your own perspective and lived experience. But if it's more up your street to gather news highlights from your country or region, you can explore the curated news approach instead.

Working together

Where we start. Debrief articles often emerge organically from conversations with readers. We chat; they share their experiences or expertise around a topic; I encourage them to translate this into a pitch. Start the conversation by contacting me.

From pitch to publication, the process is:

  • Pitch from author proposing topic
  • Discussion of pitch and agreement to work on it.
  • Draft from author, feedback from me. Normally two rounds of this.
  • Edits from my side, revision from author.
  • Publishing.
  • And then we can work on another article!

Pitching an article. A pitch is roughly a one-pager that contains:

  • Notes on what an article will cover, including proposed structure.
  • Notes on the sources of information for the article. For example, this might include: lived experience, interviews, desk review, or other sources.

I am an active editor. This is both a promise and a threat. It's a promise, because I will work with you to develop your writing and help you to make your article better. It's a threat because I will make changes and edits to your text.

What our writers say:

Here's what Anna Maria said about being edited by me:

“I've never had so much conversation with an editor while working together. It's been really helpful and collaborative.”

And Celestine Fraser:

“I've been feeling really grateful for all your thorough edits, and for pushing me to squeeze the best out of my ideas. Usually the editors I work with give only minimal edits, so it's felt like a privilege to have so much feedback from you, and to have worked closely together on this over a longer period. I'm sure I'll carry some of your editing eye into whatever I write next.”

And John Loeppky:

“Getting to write for the Disability Debrief is always fun and to have editorial meetings with Peter is a wonderful experience.”

Payment

The Debrief commissions articles from freelancers and from colleagues in the disability sector. Where the Debrief works directly then contributors are paid directly. Where there is a collaboration with another organisation, then contributors time is often covered by that organisation.

In the case of working directly with the Debrief, the rate for published articles starts at £450. A small extra budget can be considered for expenses, on discussion.

Page last updated March 2025.

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