How to get your startup story into Slate
TL;DR
Slate is a US daily magazine on the web and a podcast network, founded in 1996 and owned by Graham Holdings. Its pitch page is written for freelance writers, so a founder gets in with a strong, surprising argument pitched to a section editor, or with real news sent as a tip. Everything is free and editorial, and Slate does not treat press releases as tips.
What is Slate?
Slate publishes opinion, analysis and reported pieces on politics, law, business and technology, culture, health and science, and everyday life, alongside its podcasts. It is published by The Slate Group, part of Graham Holdings Company. Its readers expect a clear argument and a voice, so a company announcement on its own has no place there.
Who should pitch Slate?
- Founders with an argued essay on technology, work, health or culture, built on what they learned running a company.
- Founders with a reported story backed by data their startup collected, where the insight matters more than the product.
- People with real news about Big Tech, crypto or climate regulation, a fit for Slate's tips page.
- Skip it for product launches, funding rounds and feature updates. Slate's tips page says news tips do not include press releases or pitches.
How much does Slate cost?
Pitching and tips are free, and coverage cannot be bought. The pitch page does not mention payment for freelance pieces, so ask the editor if a piece is accepted. Slate earns money from advertising and from Slate Plus, its paid membership. The domain authority of 92 belongs to slate.com; an essay there brings readers and credibility to your name.
How do you share your startup on Slate?
- Read Slate and search it for your idea first, to make sure the angle is fresh and Slate has not already covered it.
- Pick the right editor on the Slate pitch page. In October 2026, Business and Technology pitches go to Tony Ho Tran (tony.tran@slate.com), who also covers science; other sections list their own editors.
- Put a short summary of the pitch in the email body, even if you attach a draft. Add a one or two sentence bio and links to published work. Slate does not need a CV.
- Tell the editor if you are pitching other outlets. For pieces that are not time-sensitive, Slate asks you to wait about a week before taking the pitch elsewhere.
- Send one follow-up at most, and do not pitch the same idea to another Slate editor after one has passed.
- For news, use the Slate tips page: email tips@slate.com or a listed reporter. Nitish Pahwa covers Big Tech, crypto influence and climate legislation.
Tips to get more out of Slate
- Make one strong, surprising claim in the first two lines. Slate asks for pitches that are clear and concise, with just enough detail.
- Avoid conventional or partisan takes that readers have seen many times.
- For a reported piece, explain what new finding your reporting will reveal.
- Disclose that you run a startup in the topic area, so the editor can judge your angle with full information.
Our verdict
Slate fits founders who write well and have something to argue, and it rewards ideas over company news. Silence is a common answer: Slate tries to answer every pitch but says that is not always possible. Treat a published essay as a reputation builder, and keep product announcements for trade and tech media.
More options: see all tech media, blogs and newsletters. Planning a launch around press coverage? The Fe/male Switch startup game walks women founders from idea to first customers.