Forbes Story & Contributor Guidelines

1. Submission Options

Press Release or News Tip
You can either submit a traditional press release or pitch a news story idea directly to Forbes journalists.

• Press Release gives you control over the narrative.

• News Tip allows an editor or journalist to craft the story angle. 

2. Becoming a Forbes Contributor

Contributor Role
You can pitch as a contributor—either a one-off article or a recurring column. Your pitch should include:

• Vision and purpose of your proposed writing

• Topics you plan to cover

• Why it matters now

• Story ideas

• Writing samples or published work to demonstrate credibility

Editorial Expectations

• Submit original, well-researched, and value-driven content appealing to business professionals.

• Maintain professional tone and structure.

• Contributions must be non-promotional, serve Forbes readers, and stick to a clear niche.

• Be open to editorial feedback and revisions. 

Contributor Commitments

• Successful contributors may write regularly, often two articles per month, with higher volume needed for compensation.

• Forbes expects exclusive content—not republished elsewhere.

• Staying focused on a specific subject area helps build credibility and alignment with Forbes’ editorial model. 

3. Practical Submission Steps

Crafting a Pitch

• Ensure your pitch clearly explains the value and relevance of your story to Forbes’ audience.

• Keep your pitch concise, polished, and tailored to the relevant editor or section. 

Submission Process

• Locate and submit through Forbes’ official submission portal or via email (e.g., ideas@forbes.com).

• Follow formatting guidelines: typically 700–1,000 words, double-spaced, with a concise headline and byline. 

Post-Submission

• Be patient—response cycles can vary.

• If accepted:

  • Collaborate with editors for revisions.

  • Ensure your article remains exclusive to Forbes.

  • Share and promote your published piece to maximize reach. 

4. Alternate Paths to Forbes Visibility

Feature Coverage
If writing isn’t your strength, you can still be featured in a Forbes article through:

• Being quoted or interviewed in profiles.

• Leveraging media request platforms or networking. 

Contributor Network (Forbes Councils)
This is a membership-based program allowing thought leaders to publish within Forbes—but note:

• It’s a paid service.

• Members cannot also be contributor-authors through the standard contributor model.