Balkanalysis.com

Balkanalysis.com welcomes correspondence from potential partners and contributors. This includes (I) prospective writers and researchers, and (II) representatives of institutions, companies or other entities. We highly recommend that interested parties first read the following information before writing- it will answer a lot of questions and thus save time on both sides.

I. Researchers and Writers: We offer writing and/ or research opportunities for persons professionally engaged with the Balkans and/or topics relevant to it; such persons might include (but are not limited to) journalist, academics and practitioners. It is not necessary to be based in the region full-time to contribute; we have a global network and are adept at finding ways to include everyone who has something valuable to contribute.

Coverage

Please read through the website to get a sense of what sort of articles we publish. We are interested in objective, fact-rich coverage with a forward-looking emphasis, ideally marked by a unique approach or information not available elsewhere. Since we do our best to offer truly independent coverage, we strive to avoid personal, political, cultural or other biases; focus on the “would” and “could” rather than the “should” or “must.” Therefore we do not publish op-eds and do not have comment boards, which can detract from the reading experience.

There is no compulsion for a fixed number of contributions. In every case we discuss ideas in advance to see if they fit into the upcoming editorial schedule, and are happy to work with writers through the entire process from idea generation through edits and publication.

Compensation and Value-added Services

The Balkanalysis.com website publishes content that is free to readers; these include feature articles, interviews and briefings, and each requires certain qualities and approaches. There is no direct payment for such items. We do however also offer other kinds of intellectual products (such as private reports for individual clients) which are directly compensated. Active contributors also have the possibility of making derivative income from works sold or resold to outside markets, and we are always looking to identify new markets.

Current contributors also are entitled to an individual author page that lists a short biography with relevant external links, plus a list of each publication available on Balkanalysis.com.This useful means of author promotion is not the only value-bearing service we provide, however. We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities, events, and other things that can directly benefit our contributors and we provide considerable support whenever required. In addition to authors, Balkanalysis.com also utilizes field researchers and other personnel whose names do not appear to the public but who take satisfaction in a job well done. Both categories of contributors should understand that their work will be read before a high-level audience internationally.

Over the years, this practice has led to a number of ‘unexpected’ benefits for our authors which include speaking invitations, job offers, new publication offers from other publishers, and less quantifiable but equally significant benefits as well.

Candidate Qualities

Experience has shown that the most successful candidates tend to be those who are clever enough to realize on their own the benefits of cooperation without having it exhaustively explained to them.

Although the specific roles of individual contributors will vary, the ideal candidate is marked by certain tangible and intangible qualities.

These include: expertise in the English language, and other languages (as necessary); sharp analytical skills and an independent mind; in-depth knowledge of regional affairs; natural curiosity and perceptiveness when dealing with individuals and situations; trustworthiness, and a strong sense of responsibility; an outgoing personality and strong communications skills; and last but not least a certain affinity for adventure. Please remember that with this, as with anything else, you get out of it what you put into it.

What to do next

Those who feel they meet these criteria and are wishing to develop careers in an interesting and unusual line of work, covering one of the most unique and intriguing areas of the world, should contact us,

When writing to us please provide a CV and a short list of the topics or areas regarding which you have the most expertise and/or active participation. There is no need for a lengthy cover letter, but please do write how you feel you can bring value to the organization- think broadly.

We will then be able to evaluate this application and contact you in the case of specific need. Of course, if you are aware of a specific, tangible project for which you would be ideally suited, please mention this as well.

II. Representatives of institutions, companies or other entities: Balkanalysis.com is happy to hear from persons or groups who are interested in commissioning our expertise; this may include written reports, consulting or booking presentations from our experts, or participation in or co-sponsorship of events.

Balkanalysis.com provides insightful coverage on most sectors of interest, and can prepare highly specific reports upon request; see our Overview of Services page for more information.

Second, representatives of a company or institution wishing to arrange a complementary briefing or interview with one or more of our experts should also contact us; see the Balkanalysis Briefings and Balkanalysis Interviews pages to understand the inherent benefits.