How to pitch to The Sunday Times

A Q&A with science editor Ben Spencer

I’m thrilled that this month’s Get Featured editor Q&A is with Ben Spencer, science editor at The Sunday Times. He’s sharing how you can pitch to him - and key things to bear in mind when you’re pitching to anyone at the publication.

As the UK’s Sunday Newspaper of the Year, The Sunday Times is arguably one of the country’s most respected and influential publications - and that means lots of other print and online publications follow the stories it covers.

So whether you’re looking to raise your (or your client’s) public profile, promote a product or push a campaign, it’s always worth thinking of how you can shape your story into something that will get featured by the newspaper.

And if you’re pitching as a freelance journalist, I’ve always found The Sunday Times relatively straightforward to work for and well-paid (the dream freelance combination). Getting a byline there often leads to other opportunities too, like corporate work or getting pitched new story ideas. So, add it to your pitching list for 2025!

Ben Spencer, Science Editor at The Sunday Times

I had a chat with Ben Spencer about the best ways to pitch to him - here is what he shared:

What does your role at The Sunday Times involve?

As Science Editor, I write stories and analysis for the news and news review sections of the main paper, as well as features for The Sunday Times Magazine.

I also write the weekly Times Environment email newsletter, which goes out on Tuesday mornings.

I occasionally also write for the business, world and Culture sections, including book reviews. And I also help the health editor when his beat is particularly busy, if he is away, or if we have a big health project.

What types of topics and stories do you wanted to be pitched?