We are a new publication in Oakland, and we are fully of Oakland but not exclusively about Oakland. We’re seeking pitches for pieces of all kinds right now—essays, reviews, interviews, conceptual art masquerading as journalism, maps, pranks. And of course, we’re interested in books, in how they move through the world and illuminate it (or obscure it), reading Oakland in books and on reading books in Oakland. Most of all, we're interested in "reading" Oakland itself: what does the Town look like? Smell like? Taste, sound, and feel like? What kind of energy is it giving off?
We also publish vibe reports, which are chatty and casual ethnographies of an event or place--usually unsigned--with a perspective, soft eyes, and curiosity. These are vibe reports, but every vibe report is its own thing, too.
Vibe reports are unpaid, but for pieces of any heft—essays, reportage, etc.—we’ll pay $600. For shorter items—reviews, short dispatches, etc.—pay will start at $300. Everything we bring in via donations and subscriptions (after basic overhead) goes to you, the writers. Everything. Editors are all volunteers, and if we bring in more money than we anticipate, we’ll increase our rates. Simple.
So there you are. Send us vibe reports. Pitch us stuff for whenever. ORB@oaklandreviewofbooks.org.
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