Write for us

We welcome pitches about the social rituals and unspoken conventions of ordinary life: the ways people greet, gather, converse and share space. Strong proposals are focused, humane and specific, with a clear idea that can help a general reader notice something new.

What makes a good pitch

Send a short outline of the subject, the central question and why it is worth a reader's attention. Tell us what makes the angle distinct from a broad essay about manners or etiquette. We especially value pieces that explain a custom, compare approaches, trace a change over time or offer a grounded way to think through a social moment.

Voice and scope

Write with curiosity rather than judgement. Avoid claiming that one custom applies everywhere or that a single gesture reveals what someone thinks. Proposals should be original, clearly sourced where they make factual claims and suitable for readers without specialist knowledge.

How to send a proposal

Use the Contact page and choose the editorial question option to send your pitch. Include a working title, a brief outline and a note about any relevant experience or potential conflicts. Please send a proposal rather than a full unsolicited manuscript.