Pitch & Contribute

The Otway Edit is an independent slow journalism publication from South West Victoria, created and run by writer, editor and photographer April Burton. We publish thoughtful, deeply reported and beautifully crafted stories that linger in the mind long after you close the tab.

If you care about this place and its people, and you’re interested in storytelling that takes its time, we’d love to hear from you.

What we’re looking for

We focus on slow, place-based journalism. That means stories that are richly observed, carefully fact-checked and grounded in the textures of everyday life in South West Victoria.

Reported features that explore local issues, ideas or subcultures with nuance and depth.
Profile pieces on people doing interesting, meaningful or quietly radical work in the region.
Essays that braid personal experience with broader themes of place, ecology, community, identity and change.
Photo-led stories that use images and words together to slow readers down and invite them into a scene.
Criticism & cultural writing about books, art, food, design and events that emerge from or speak to South West Victoria.

We are not the right fit for breaking news, PR-led pieces, advertorial, travel listicles or content written primarily for search engines.

What we mean by “South West Victoria”

When we say South West Victoria, we’re talking about the lands and waters stretching across the Otways and beyond — coastal towns, inland communities, farms, forests and everything in between. Stories can be set in small town main streets, at the edge of the Southern Ocean or in the back room of a community hall, as long as they are rooted in this broader region.

We especially welcome pieces that:

Recognise and respect First Nations histories, sovereignty and knowledge.
Pay close attention to local voices rather than parachuting in a pre-written narrative.
Connect the local with the global — showing how broader forces are felt here on the ground.
Notice the quiet shifts: climate, culture, work, family, belonging, care.

Who we commission

We commission both emerging and experienced writers, photographers and multidisciplinary storytellers. You don’t need a long list of bylines to pitch — you do need a clear idea, a sense of curiosity and the willingness to collaborate through the editorial process.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people who:

Live in, have lived in, or have a strong and ongoing relationship with South West Victoria.
Hold perspectives that are underrepresented in mainstream media.
Are attentive to ethics, consent and the emotional stakes of telling true stories.
Are patient with slow timelines and open to thoughtful, rigorous editing.

How to pitch

Before you pitch, please take a moment to read a few pieces already published by The Otway Edit so you can get a feel for our tone, pace and interests.

When you’re ready, send a short, focused email pitch via the contact details on our Contact page. Include:

Your working title and story type (feature, profile, essay, photo essay, etc.).
A clear paragraph explaining what the piece is about, why it matters now and why it belongs in The Otway Edit.
How it connects to South West Victoria — people, place, history or current questions.
Who you plan to speak with or feature, if it’s a reported story.
A line or two about you, including any relevant experience or links to past work (if you have them).

Please do not send full drafts unless requested. A well-shaped pitch helps us understand how you think through structure, ethics and access before you begin.

The Otway Edit is a small, slow publication. Response times may vary, but every pitch is read with care. If your idea isn’t quite right for us, that doesn’t mean we don’t want to hear from you again.

If you have access needs, are unsure whether your idea fits, or want to talk through the emotional load of a potential story, you’re welcome to get in touch and outline your questions first. April will respond as capacity allows.