The Useful Ordinary welcomes thoughtful pitches and finished contributions about familiar subjects that deserve a clearer explanation. We are especially interested in practical, evergreen ideas that help readers understand an object, routine or everyday choice.
What we are looking for
Strong proposals have a clear reader in mind and answer a useful question without trying to cover everything. Possible subjects include household habits, food preparation, personal technology, design choices and the cultural meaning of ordinary things. We welcome fresh angles, careful explanations and examples that do not depend on access a general reader is unlikely to have.
Make the pitch specific
Tell us the proposed subject, the central question, why it is useful and how you would approach it. Include a brief outline and any relevant writing experience or samples you choose to share. Please flag claims that need checking, potential conflicts of interest and whether the idea has appeared elsewhere. A concise proposal is easier to assess than a finished article sent without context.
Send a proposal
Send pitches and contribution questions through the Contact page, selecting the editorial option and including your proposal in the message. Please do not treat a submission as accepted until the publication has agreed to it. We cannot promise a response time or publication for every idea.