Frequently Asked Questions
What the heck is Shoeleather?
Shoeleather is a national database of writers from non-media hub cities (NYC, LA, D.C., SF) who are local, knowledgeable and ready to tell their community stories. The database serves as a resource for publications, assigning editors and beyond to connect with writers in the towns, cities and states they are interested in covering instead of relying on “parachute” journalism.
How does the database work?
Journalists fill out a (simple-ish) form and will be added to a database that’s grouped according to geographic location. Editors will be able to search for journalists by city and state, followed by coverage areas. Editors can then contact any potential writer through an individualized form on their profile.
I’m not in the United States. Can I use Shoeleather?
Journalists fill out a (simple-ish) form and will be added to a database that’s grouped according to geographic location. Editors will be able to search for journalists by city and state, followed by coverage areas. Editors can then contact any potential writer through an individualized form on their profile.
I see where I can list two locations. Why is that?
We understand people are, you know, mobile. Please pick a primary address and, if applicable, feel free to add a secondary one as well.
I’m not a published writer/seasoned newspaper veteran/person with a manilla folder full of story clips, but I consider myself a storyteller. Can I be in the database?
For sure!
How long after I sign up will I be approved?
Typically within 24 hours. After that, you can log in and upload your photo, add any additional information to your profile, etc.
Is this free (really and truly)?
Yep.
Who runs Shoeleather?
Shoeleather was founded by Sarah Baird, a longtime freelance journalist (among other things). Say hi to her here.
Why NYC, LA, D.C. and SF?
Working as a journalist today is difficult enough, and trying to do so outside of the cities that serve as a nexus for publications can be daunting—particularly if you’re a writer from a traditionally underrepresented community, just getting started or aren’t part of the (let’s face it, insular) networks where assignments are often doled out.
These are cities where major journalism networks are already robust and the majority (or at least a solid 95%) of publications are housed. Sorry, folks.
So my email address itself won’t be splayed out for the world to see?
No way. Users of the site can fill out a quick form that will automatically email you without exposing your email address.
One time, I spent a couple of weeks/months/a childhood in Des Moines/West Texas/Tallahassee. Can I list one of those as a secondary address?
This is a real honor system thing. If you feel like you have a grasp on the culture of a place you once lived enough that you wouldn’t piss off an angry mob of day-to-day locals when writing about it, go for it. If you’re not so sure, don’t be that person.
I’m from NYC/D.C./LA/SF and I still think I’m a better authority than a local person on [insert topic here] in [insert town here]. Why should they get to write about it?
Mostly, because they live there, and you don’t. But if you’re an editor who feels deeply compelled (for some reason) to send a member of your staff parachuting into a place, by all means, team up with a local and share the byline.
What’s in store for the future?
The database will take up all of our time at first, but eventually we’d like to build out a larger network for writers and creatives in non-media-hub cities. What this means in concrete terms we’re still hashing out.