The New York Times is looking for contributors to create editions of Flashback, our weekly history quiz. Contributors would construct a quiz with nine clues, which are short descriptions of historical events that readers have to place on a timeline.
Each clue is about 20 words long and includes sources for fact-checking. We aim to include humor, irony, suspense and surprise in our clues whenever we can. The best clues are tiny stories that combine the familiar with the surprising: a lesser known detail about a famous event, or the unexpected origin of something common. (Contributors are responsible for the clue text; suggestions for the photos accompanying each clue are welcome but not necessary.)
Each Flashback quiz covers a wide range of time periods, countries and types of history (like science, politics, culture). Quizzes are focused less on memorizing exact dates and more on how and why people created the world we live in; they should be challenging but solvable.
A Flashback quiz is a collaboration with our editors to highlight the writer’s voice while creating a fun and educational experience for a wide range of readers. Our editing process includes feedback, fact-checking and user testing for clarity and difficulty. Each clue also has some connection to news and current events, which is revealed after the quiz.
If you’re interested, please email [email protected] and briefly describe your relevant experience. Attach or include links to two or three published pieces, such as articles or blog posts about history, or other quizzes. We’re happy to answer questions. Any unsolicited Flashback quizzes will not be reviewed.
We’ll reach out to promising candidates to commission a coming quiz. The rate is $800 per quiz.
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