Forward / Scratch is a publication examining the relationship between music and political resistance. We seek a wide range of perspectives and methods to explore this topic, and take a collaborative approach to our publication process.

Guidelines

We welcome all submissions that contribute to this exploration, so long as they have not been previously published outside of a personal newsletter or blog. We do not publish self-promotion or work that encourages doxxing or harassment. As a volunteer-run publication, we are unable to pay contributors.

If you’re interested in publishing a piece with us, please send us a pitch of 300 - 600 words about your idea. For reported stories, include a clear angle, at least two proposed sources, and links to existing articles, social media posts, etc. For essays, which can be personal or analytical, include your argument/thesis and relevant links. All pitches should also explain your relationship to the subject of your pitch and any other details that speak to your point of view and expertise. If you have a portfolio or clips of your published writing, be sure to include them, but this is not required—we welcome unpublished writers.

While we prefer pitches, we are also open to reviewing completed drafts of essays. We rarely accept finished reported pieces, so please message us with a brief outline of your piece before sending us a draft. We are most interested in completed reported pieces that have been rejected by other publications for political reasons.