Submit to Salient
Scroll to the Bottom of Page for the Production Schedule
How to Pitch a Feature to Salient
Email your pitch to: editor@salient.org.nz
Click here for a pitch template
When you email your pitch, include:-
Your full name (and byline name if different)
-
Your pronouns
-
A short summary of what you want to write about
-
An estimated word count
-
Any sources or people you plan to interview (if you have them)
The editor will reply with feedback, questions, or suggestions, and help you refine your idea.
What Happens Next
If your pitch is accepted, the editor who will support you through the whole process. They’ll help with structure, clarity, tone, and making sure your piece fits Salient’s style and ethics.
You don’t need publishing experience—we regularly work with first-time writers and can guide you through research, interviews, drafting, and editing.
Depending on the piece, you might be asked to help source photos or visuals. For creative or personal writing, your editor will help you find the right format and voice
A Few Things to Know-
Word count: Usually 1,200–2,000 words (up to ~3,500 for longer investigations)
-
Tone: Smart and student-focused—serious, funny, political, or personal all welcome
-
Timing: The editorial schedule moves fast, so earlier pitches are best
-
Support: If you’re unsure what to pitch, the editors are happy to help brainstorm
-
Submit your creative piece here
Salient publishes student creative writing like poetry, short fiction, personal essays, and other imaginative work alongside its regular content
What Happens Next
Once you submit:
-
The editor will review your writing and decide if it fits Salient’s style and voice.
-
If they like it, they’ll be in touch with feedback or next steps.
You don’t need any previous publishing experience — Salient regularly works with new writers and wants to help you share your voice.
Tips for Creative Submissions
-
Be yourself: Whether it’s serious, funny, surreal, or personal, Salient publishes a wide range of creative voices.
-
Keep it polished: Check spelling and flow before submitting — that makes it easier for editors to see your vision.
-
Read recent Salient creative pieces (on our Poetry/Prose page) to get a feel for what we publish.
-
Please email all art submissions directly to Salient’s designer, Jim Higgs, at designer@salient.org.nz.
Salient loves featuring student art — including illustration, photography, painting, mixed media, digital work, comics, and more.
What happens next
After you submit your work:
-
The editorial team will review your artwork and decide whether it fits Salient’s visual content.
-
If they’re interested, they’ll be in touch with next steps — sometimes with ideas for context, captions, or presentation.
-
You don’t need prior publishing experience or exhibitions. Salient regularly showcases emerging and student artists.
-
Tips for a strong submission
-
Use clear, high-quality images so the detail of your work is visible.
-
Include a short artist statement and biography explaining your concept and process.
-
Got something to say about the magazine? Want it published? Email editor@salient.org.nz with the subject line: Letter to the Editor.
Salient is published by, but remains editorially independent from, the Victoria University of Wellington Students Association (VUWSA). Salient is funded in part by VUWSA through the Student Services Levy. Salient is a member of the Aotearoa Student Press Association (ASPA).
Complaints regarding the material published in Salient should first be brought to the VUWSA CEO in writing (ceo@vuwsa.org.nz). If not satisfied by the response, complaints should be directed to the Media Council (info@mediacouncil.org.nz).
© 2026 by Salient Magazine.