For Smithsonian, we spoke with Quentin Nardi, Jeff Compagna, and Donny Bajohr. My biggest takeaway from speaking with all three of them was that the magazine is a general interest magazine. They hire a wide range of photographers and all articles are commissioned. There are 10 magazines a year and 4-5 features for each magazine. American history is what drives the publication. Their day rate is $750 plus expenses and $375 for a travel day plus $250 for an assistant.
Quentin talked a lot about pitching story ideas. She said to make a pitch that the publication just cannot turn down. "If you know who you're pitching to, make it impossible for them to pass up." She gave an example of a pitch from Pete McBride. He knew his audience, he knew the magazine loves history, he made connections between past and current events, and there was beautiful imagery. The combination of all those things is what Quentin is looking for in a pitch. I think it's important to remember this when I start writing pitches as well.
I think Smithsonian is one of my favorite places we've spoken to. I liked Quentin's energy, she was incredibly open and helpful. It seems to be a publication I'd be interested in pitching stories to.
