How to write a clear magazine contributor brief

What to take away

A contributor brief translates an editorial decision into workable terms. It is not a finished outline and should not force the writer to prove a conclusion. The brief fixes the purpose and constraints while leaving room for reporting to alter the angle.

The historical image gives context for commissioned writing. It does not identify a contributor to this publication.

Step 1: write the assignment core

Open with five fields:

Most briefs for a single feature run 250 to 500 words, a typical range. A longer commission may need a two-page brief.

Sample brief, annotated:

Working title: What changed after five years of river cleanup Reader outcome: A reader can say which targets were met and which claims remain disputed Central question: Did the program meet its stated targets? Reporting may reframe this. Scope: 1,800 words, one 300-word sidebar Deliverable: Draft 14 March, final 4 April, agreed format

The sample states the work, not the conclusion. Fee, rights, and cancellation sit in the contract.

Avoid a headline that embeds an unverified conclusion. "Why the river cleanup failed" prejudges the reporting; "What changed after five years of river cleanup" leaves the central finding open.

Digital.gov's principles of plain language list writing for your audience as the first rule and add that writing for an audience does not mean simplifying everything for everyone. Consider the reader's current knowledge, expertise, and interest.

A brief that records those three things gives the writer a usable constraint. A brief that says "general readers" gives the writer nothing to test a draft against.

Step 2: define reporting expectations

List required records, categories of source, observation, data, or subject response. Mark suggested names as leads rather than mandatory endorsements. Identify known disputes, conflicts, access needs, safety issues, and evidence that cannot be accepted alone.

Step 3: record the business terms

The Society of Professional Journalists explains in its guide to essential freelance contracts that an agreement should identify the parties, services, scope, deadlines, rate or price, payment terms, and signatures. The brief carries editorial detail; the contract records binding terms.

Include fee, payment trigger and timing, tax documentation, approved expenses, invoice route, kill fee, rights grant, exclusivity if any, credit, warranties, indemnity where applicable, promotion use, and cancellation. If the brief and contract conflict, the contract controls.

Step 4: schedule checkpoints

Use dates for access confirmation, reporting check, draft, structural response, revision, source queries, copy review, and proof consultation. State which dates are firm and who can approve a change.

Example schedule: access confirmed 3 February, reporting check 17 February, draft 3 March, structural response 10 March, revision 20 March, source queries 25 March, copy review 1 April, proof consultation 8 April. Do not make publication payment depend on an undefined future date without discussing the consequence.

Step 5: define revisions

Explain what ordinary revision covers and what would count as added scope. A request for one missing source may fit the assignment. A new 1,500-word section, another trip, a video script, or a second platform package may require new terms.

Common questions

Is the brief the contract?

At most it forms part of the agreement. The publication should say which document governs.

Should the brief name every source?

No. Define evidence needs and known leads without preventing independent reporting.

Who updates the brief?

The commissioning editor records changes confirmed by both sides.

What is an acceptance condition?

A concrete requirement for the deliverable, such as approximate length, agreed format, completed reporting, and submission by the stated route.