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

The Nerd Stash jobs

Freelance Viral Stories & Local News Writer