Pitch form

Make the case for your idea.

Why we need your argument, why it matters now, and the experience that gives you authority to make it. You do not need to send a finished article.

Pitching War on the Rocks

Tell us about yourself

We prioritize writers with direct, relevant experience.

Full name *

Email *

Please use your professional/work email if you have one — it helps us confirm your identity. We'll send a confirmation link here.

Professional bio *

Include your current employer. Relevant military, government, academic, professional, regional, or lived experience helps editors assess your authority on the subject.

Co-authors

Writing with others? Add up to 3 co-authors (4 authors total). We'll send the tracking link to you as the submitter.

Make your pitch

Lead with the argument, not just the topic.

A strong pitch answers three questions:

1. What is your argument?
2. Why does it matter now?
3. Why are you the right writer?

Your pitch *0 / 200 words

The limit is guidance rather than a hard block, but concise pitches are more effective.

Topic or format (optional)

Confirm the guidelines

Every confirmation is required before the pitch can be submitted.

I have read the War on the Rocks submissions guide in full.I am the author and am pitching on my own behalf. I am not a communications/PR staffer, consultant, or third-party firm.This pitch is not under consideration anywhere else. If I later change my mind, I will formally withdraw it before submitting elsewhere.This pitch reflects genuine human voice, judgment, and expertise and is not AI-generated.I have avoided jargon and acronyms/initialisms.My eventual draft will cite factual claims with embedded hyperlinks (no footnotes/endnotes).I have provided a short professional bio that includes my current employer.This pitch contains no classified or controlled unclassified information (CUI).

Optional

Pen name or safety request

We only grant this if (a) you are legally and ethically allowed to write your proposed article but would face unjust career consequences if it were published under your name, or (b) you or someone you are close to could reasonably expect to find your safety compromised if it was published under your name. An editor will discuss the request with you.

I may need to publish under a pen name because using my name would put my career or safety at serious risk.

Ready to send your pitch?

Next you'll get an email with a verification link. You must click it or editors will never see your pitch — we only share it and send your private tracking code after you verify.