Freelance Viral Stories & Local News Writer

Are you fascinated by the wild, the unexpected, and the wonderfully chaotic corners of American life? Do you find yourself deep-diving into neighborhood drama, offbeat crimes, and small-town stories that deserve a far bigger audience? We’re searching for freelance writers who can spot viral potential in everyday local events and turn them into quick, compelling, and highly clickable stories. Weekend availability is a big plus. What You Bring: • Experience in local reporting or natural instincts for discovering stories that spark conversation • A talent for uncovering quirky, surprising, dramatic, or downright bizarre happenings from communities around the U.S. • A modern, conversational writing style that leans into humor, personality, and internet culture • Familiarity with trend-spotting on Reddit, TikTok, Facebook, and local broadcast outlets • Strong headline skills that are attention-grabbing, curiosity-driven, and tailored for viral reach • Clean, efficient writing that gets to the punchline fast • The ability to turn around assignments quickly while a story is still hot Bonus Points If You: • Have covered local news, weird crime, or community controversies • Can match the energy of outlets like The Daily Dot, Daily Mail, or BuzzFeed News • Know how to add internet-friendly flavor while keeping the story grounded in its local roots • Bring a sharp sense of humor and a strong feel for what’s about to go viral What You’ll Do: • Pitch and/or write short (400–700 word) stories with bold hooks and strong narrative flow • Track down odd, surprising, or highly shareable local stories with viral upside (we’ll also assign pieces) • Add relevant supporting links, embeds, and sources • Monitor online chatter, local happenings, and emerging trends Compensation: • Paid per article • Additional performance-based bonuses • Your stories will appear on a rapidly growing platform read by thousands daily How to Apply: Please send: • A short introduction about who you are and your writing background • Three headline ideas for viral local stories you’d be excited to cover • Links to published work or a writing sample that matches our tone All applicants will be asked to complete a brief paid writing test as part of the evaluation process. Job Type: Contract Benefits: • Flexible schedule Work Location: Remote Apply tot his job