The Wilmington Standard is growing, and we’re looking for local writers, citizen journalists, and commentators who want to help shape the future of news and opinion in the Cape Fear region.

We are a conservative-oriented publication on the editorial side, but we are equally committed to honest, fact-driven reporting and welcome “straight shooters” who care more about truth and accuracy than spin.

We do not accept anonymous submissions. Every article must run under the real name of the author, with a brief, verified author bio.

We are also looking for local podcasters and audio creators who share our conservative values and straight-shooter approach to the news, and who want a reliable home for their shows, segments, or collaborative projects.

What We Offer (Byline-Only Opportunity)

At this time, contributor roles are unpaid, but we provide:

• A full byline on every published piece, plus an “About the Author” bio with links to your website, portfolio, or social media.
• A credible local platform focused on conservative news, commentary, and straight, no-nonsense reporting on politics, policy, and culture in the Wilmington area.
• Professional editing, coaching, and the chance to build a real portfolio of clips you can show to employers, campaigns, or clients.
• An opportunity to develop a “beat” (schools, courts, city hall, county commission, crime, business, faith, etc.) and become a recognized local voice.

As The Wilmington Standard grows revenue, proven contributors will be the first in line for any future paid opportunities.

Who Should Apply

We welcome:

• Local residents (or former residents) of Wilmington, New Hanover County, and surrounding areas who know their neighborhoods and issues.
• College and high school students interested in journalism, communications, political science, or public policy who want clips and experience.
• Community leaders, activists, parents, veterans, business owners, and engaged citizens who follow local government and want to document what’s happening — with a commitment to being straight shooters, even when the facts are uncomfortable.
• Bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and Substack/Medium writers who want to adapt or expand their existing content for a local audience, with proper credit and links.

You do not need formal journalism experience; we care more about accuracy, fairness, and commitment to the community.

What We’re Looking For

We accept:

• Local news and reportage: council meetings, school board actions, local government decisions, public hearings, elections, neighborhood issues, court stories, and community events.
• Policy and opinion pieces: clearly argued conservative commentary — or other viewpoints that engage respectfully — with a focus on local, state, and national issues that affect Wilmington and Coastal Carolina, grounded in facts and sources.
• Community features: profiles of local people, churches, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations making a difference.
• Explainers: “What this policy means for you” breakdowns on taxes, zoning, schools, crime, and regulations.

Typical length: 600–1,000 words for most stories and opinion pieces. Shorter news briefs (300–500 words) are also welcome for time-sensitive items.

Standards & Expectations

To protect our readers and your reputation, we ask that contributors:

• Follow basic news fundamentals: answer who, what, where, when, why, and how.
• Stay factual: verify information, attribute claims to sources, and provide links or documents when possible.
• Be fair: accurately represent opposing viewpoints, avoid personal attacks, and distinguish clearly between reporting (straight news) and opinion.
• Write like a straight shooter: no clickbait, no deliberate misrepresentation; let the facts speak plainly and clearly, and then make your case.
• Submit only original work that you have written and for which you hold the rights.
• Publish under your real name; we do not accept anonymous or pseudonymous articles except in extremely rare, pre-approved circumstances involving clear safety concerns.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions for clarity, style, length, and legal concerns, or to decline pieces that do not meet our standards.

Rights & Republishing

• You retain copyright to your work.
• By submitting, you grant The Wilmington Standard the right to publish your piece on our website and associated platforms (email, social media, audio/video adaptations).
• After an initial exclusivity period (for example, 7–14 days), you may republish your work elsewhere, provided you include a line such as: “This article first appeared in The Wilmington Standard” with a link back to the original.

If we ever wish to use your work in a paid product or in ways that go beyond standard editorial publication, we will reach out to you for a separate agreement.

Opportunities for Local Podcasters

The Wilmington Standard is building a network of local, conservative-aligned podcasts and audio shows that focus on news, politics, culture, faith, and life in Coastal Carolina.

We are interested in partnering with podcasters who share our commitment to factual, honest, straight-shooting conversations and want to reach a broader local audience.

We can work with podcasters to:

• Embed or feature your episodes on The Wilmington Standard with show notes and a bylined description.
• Develop written companion pieces or transcripts from your episodes to run as articles under your byline.
• Collaborate on special series, interviews, or live events tied to local issues and elections.

Podcast partnerships are currently unpaid, but, like our writing contributors, partner hosts receive prominent credit, links to their show feeds and platforms, and first consideration for future paid opportunities as our network grows.

If you are a local podcaster interested in partnering with The Wilmington Standard, please include links to your show, platforms (Apple, Spotify, YouTube, etc.), and a brief description of your format and topics when you contact us.

How to Pitch or Submit

Fill out the form below to contact us about writing.

Include:

• A short introduction (who you are and your connection to the area).
• What areas you are interested in.
• Any relevant clips or writing samples (links or attachments).  Upload only PDF attachments.
• Your social media or website.

If you already have a completed piece that fits our focus, you may send it as a PDF attachment.  If we use it, we will reach back out to you for your biography and photograph.