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DUN Outdoors
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Become a Contributor

DUN Outdoors is built on real stories from real people—everyday women (and anyone who supports women in the outdoors) who are out there living it in big ways and small ones. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not an expert, but I have a story,” you’re exactly who we want to hear from. We publish outdoor storytelling that feels honest, useful, and human—because the everyday outdoor woman’s experience deserves a platform.

You don’t need a massive following or a perfect resume to write for DUN Outdoors. What matters is heart, clarity, and a point of view that helps someone else feel seen, learn something, or take their next step outside. Your first time trying something new. The trip that didn’t go as planned (but still mattered). The moment you found confidence, calm, courage, or community outdoors. The outdoors has shaped you somehow—tell us how.

What we’re looking for

We love submissions that are real and grounded in experience. A strong piece usually does one (or more) of these things:

  • Tells a true story with a clear takeaway (confidence, resilience, belonging, joy, perspective).
  • Shares a lesson learned—the kind you only get by doing.
  • Helps someone try something they’ve been curious about but nervous to start.
  • Reflects a thoughtful outdoor life, from everyday routines to once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Story ideas to spark yours

Everyone has a story! Not sure what to pitch? Start here:

  • A “first” that changed you.
  • A hard moment outdoors—and what it taught you.
  • A place that matters and why (a trail, a riverbank, a backyard, a campsite, a stretch of public land).
  • The person who helped you begin—or the moment you decided to go anyway.
  • The quiet wins: showing up, learning, practicing, failing, returning.

How to submit

We try to keep the process simple and welcoming.

  1. Send a short pitch (5–10 sentences) that answers:
    • What’s the story or topic?
    • Why does it matter right now?
    • What will the reader learn or feel?
  2. Include a few details
    • Your name, location (general is fine), and a 2–3 sentence bio.
    • Links to past writing (optional). If you’re new, that’s okay—share a short sample paragraph instead.
    • Any photos you have (optional at pitch stage). If accepted, we’ll share clear photo guidelines.
  3. Wait for a reply
    • We try to respond to every pitch. If it’s a fit, we’ll respond with next steps.
    • If we can’t take it right away, we will let you know why!

A few quick guidelines

  • Be yourself. Strong voice beats “perfect” writing every time.
  • Be accurate and respectful. If you’re sharing advice, prioritize ethics, safety, and respect for the outdoors.
  • Keep it real. We’re not chasing highlight reels. We’re building a library of lived experience.

Ready to pitch?

If you can tell a friend a story about something that happened outside—funny, frustrating, meaningful, or brave—you can be a DUN Outdoors contributor. Your perspective might be the exact thing someone else needs to read to finally try, return, or keep going.

Submit your pitch: Editor@DUNMagazine.com
Subject line: “Contributor Pitch – [Topic]”