What we’re after

Overland is always looking for nonfiction pieces, especially for its online magazine. We update the pitch page with subjects that seem interesting – though we consider pitches on any topics. Most of all, we’re looking for thoughtful, provocative and argumentative articles, pieces that will provoke discussion and debate. You can pitch to us on one of the topics below, or submit completed articles (of between 600 and 1000 words) to us via our submissions page. We pay $120 for published online pieces.

Universal basic income? 

Sounds good. But if Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are behind it, are you? Many on the left oppose the notion of a UBI, arguing it would be used (by aforementioned capitalists) to undermine the guaranteed minimum wage, and free and funded public services. And why should the wealthy be further subsidised?

But a guaranteed income for the out of work, the unable to work and those doing unpaid work remains compelling. Should the left grab the ghost or give up the ghost?

 

Other ways to make huge dollars: the world of university management

In 2017 Dame Glynis Breakwell, the University of Bath vice-chancellor in the UK, was forced to retire after protests attacked her excessive income of £468,000 a year ($812,500). The Guardian pointed out that in Australia, Breakwell’s pay packet – which was Britain’s largest – would be Australia’s 28th highest, and half of what the vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney earns after benefits are added.

Meanwhile students’ course fees in Australia continue to skyrocket, university staff have to fight for pay rises and academics struggle to secure anything beyond a temporary contract. What’s the justification for the wild income disparity in the tertiary system? And have we accepted it as a fait accompli?

 

Netflix algorithms

Settle this office debate: are most Netflix films largely written by algorithms, as one Overland editor has theorised? From A Christmas Prince to The Open House, Netflix’s recent, smaller-budget films tick some cinematic plot boxes – insofar as things happen – before the narrative logic appears to dissolve into a puddle of pastiche and unsatisfying conclusion.

Are algorithmic-generated narratives the logical conclusion to Netflix’s recommendation engine? Or is this a new genre we’re failing to appreciate / the future of cinema?

 

People are still on Goodreads?

When Goodreads launched eleven years ago, the internet was a different place – more trusting, more interested in community book recommendations, less alt-righty. At its height, Goodreads allowed its 55 million active members to share what they were reading and, in a way, memorialise their reading habits.

Five years ago, Amazon bought the site, which is probably a smart business move if you’re the world’s biggest bookseller. Since then, the site’s popularity appears to have waned – and yet, many writers are still active on Goodreads, using it to profile their work, and to review or recommend the works of others.

Do you have thoughts on Goodreads? Is there still a place for specialised social media platforms in the age of Facebook?

 

Note: we are open to pitches on any subject.

If you have a completed article, follow the links on the submission page to send it to us.

How to pitch to us

If you want to pitch an article, we ask you to do so through our online submission system. Overland relies on its subscribers for support: subscribers should use this link to pitch; non-subscribers should use this one.

The submission system will ask you to explain your proposed article in around 100 words and should address the following: What will your piece be about and why are you the person to write it? How will your article be different from other writing on the subject? When will you be able to send the finished piece?

Make sure that your deadline is realistic – if we accept your pitch, we are committing to publishing the article only so long as we receive publishable copy by the specified time and date.

If you can provide links to examples of your writing (whether in other publications or on your own site), please do so.

We look forward to hearing from you!