Getting featured in a major publication like USA Today can elevate your brand’s visibility, credibility, and trust. Whether you are a business, public relations professional, author, or thought leader, understanding how USA Today submissions work is the first step to getting your content noticed by one of the most-read news platforms in the country.
In this detailed guide, we break down everything you need to know about USA Today submissions, from pitch creation to finding the right editorial contacts, what kind of stories get picked up, and how IMCWire can support your media journey.
Table of Contents
Why Aim for USA Today?
USA Today reaches millions of readers across digital, print, and social platforms. With its broad audience and general-interest reporting, the newspaper welcomes stories in various niches including business, technology, health, lifestyle, sports, and entertainment. Being featured in USA Today can:
- Establish national credibility
- Drive referral traffic to your site
- Boost your SEO with powerful backlinks
- Improve investor or customer perception
- Open the door to more media opportunities
Understanding the Structure of USA Today
To successfully navigate USA Today submissions, it helps to understand the structure of the publication. USA Today is divided into key verticals:
- News: National, world, politics
- Money: Business and financial topics
- Life: Arts, entertainment, lifestyle
- Tech: Gadgets, apps, innovations
- Sports: Major league and college sports
- Opinion: Expert columns and commentary
Each section is curated by different editors with distinct goals and readership profiles.
What Kind of Content Is Accepted?
Not all content is a fit for USA Today. Editors look for stories that:
- Are timely and newsworthy
- Have a national or universal angle
- Offer unique data or insights
- Tell a compelling story
- Avoid promotional language
Opinion pieces must express a clear stance on a relevant issue and be backed with logical reasoning and facts.
Step-by-Step Process for USA Today Submissions
Step 1: Determine the Right Section
Before sending your pitch, figure out where it fits within USA Today’s verticals. For example:
- A small business success story fits in the Money section
- A new tech product review fits in Tech
- A motivational piece about overcoming adversity could fit in Life or Opinion
Step 2: Write a Strong Pitch
The pitch is everything. Editors receive hundreds of submissions daily, so yours must stand out. A winning pitch includes:
- A compelling subject line
- A concise summary of the story
- Why it matters now
- Why it matters to USA Today’s audience
- A proposed headline or hook
- A short bio with relevant expertise or credentials
Bonus Tip: Keep your pitch under 300 words.
Step 3: Contact the Right Editor
Target your pitch to the most relevant editor. Generic submissions often go unnoticed. You can find editor names by:
- Visiting the USA Today editorial staff page
- Checking recent articles in your target section
- Searching LinkedIn profiles of journalists
Step 4: Follow Submission Guidelines
While USA Today does not publish a detailed contributor portal for general articles, they have specific processes for:
- Opinion pieces: Submit to Viewpoint Editor via [email protected]
- Guest columns: Must adhere to 550-850 word count, include a brief bio, and be exclusive to USA Today
- Press releases and business news: These are best submitted via a professional distribution service like IMCWire
Step 5: Be Patient and Follow Up
If you don’t hear back within a week, it’s okay to send one polite follow-up email. Don’t send repeated messages—if the editor is interested, they’ll respond.
How IMCWire Supports USA Today Submissions
At IMCWire, we specialize in getting your content noticed by high-profile outlets like USA Today. Here’s how we can help:
Professional Press Release Writing
Our experienced journalists craft press releases that adhere to AP style, editorial quality, and USA Today’s tone. Every word is written with precision to maximize approval chances.
Verified Media Distribution
Through our media network and partnerships, we can distribute your press release directly to top-tier platforms, including USA Today partners and affiliates.
Editorial Guidance and Strategy
We don’t just write—we strategize. From timing your submission around trending topics to fine-tuning your message, we ensure your story hits the right mark.
What Makes a Great USA Today Submission?
To increase your chances of acceptance, make sure your submission:
- Aligns with current events: Editors prefer stories that reflect the moment.
- Is not overly self-promotional: Focus on the narrative, not advertising.
- Includes multimedia: Quality images, videos, or infographics can elevate your piece.
- Has verified data: Include sources for any statistics or claims.
- Highlights real impact: Show how your story affects people, industries, or communities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding pitfalls can dramatically improve your submission success rate.
Overly Salesy Language
Avoid phrases like “world’s best,” “amazing product,” or “life-changing.” Editors want facts, not hype.
Irrelevant Pitches
Sending a pitch about a local charity event to the national news desk will likely be ignored. Always tailor your content to the right section.
Lack of Follow-Up
Some contributors give up too early. A polite, timely follow-up often moves your pitch to the top of the inbox.
Ignoring the News Cycle
Timing is key. Submissions tied to ongoing news events or trending topics get more attention.
Sample Pitch Email Template
Here’s a basic structure to guide your USA Today submissions:
Subject Line: [EXCLUSIVE] New Data Reveals Workplace Burnout Is at an All-Time High
Body: Hi [Editor’s Name],
I’m reaching out to propose a piece for the USA Today Life section about rising workplace burnout in 2025. Based on a new study of 10,000 workers, we found 73% report increased mental health concerns—marking a 20% jump from last year.
This story would explore root causes, expert tips for prevention, and the future of workplace wellness programs. I’m a workplace psychologist with 15 years of experience, and I’ve written for Forbes and Fast Company.
Happy to provide the full draft upon request or tailor the angle based on your editorial needs.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
[Full Name]
[Email]
[Phone Number]
[Website or LinkedIn]
Alternatives If You Don’t Get Accepted
If your USA Today submission isn’t accepted, don’t be discouraged. Consider:
- Publishing your story on your company blog
- Repurposing it for LinkedIn or Medium
- Pitching it to other major platforms like Forbes, Business Insider, or HuffPost
- Working with a content distribution agency like IMCWire to amplify your story through syndicated press coverage
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of USA Today submissions doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right message, timing, and strategy, your story can reach one of the largest news audiences in America. Whether you are pitching a newsworthy event, expert insight, or a compelling opinion, staying professional, relevant, and focused is your best path to success.
For those seeking a more direct route to media exposure, IMCWire offers premium press release distribution and editorial strategy services that can dramatically increase your visibility—not just in USA Today but across the media landscape.
Ready to get started with USA Today submissions? Let IMCWire guide the way.
