Work With Us

Northern Sentry Reporter Position

Our Mission

Northern Sentry exists to serve as a trusted community voice for Minot Air Force Base. We publish thoughtful, well-crafted stories that inform, connect, and reflect the people who live and serve here.

Sharing the Minot AFB Adventure

We prioritize meaningful storytelling over quick recaps.

What This Role Is

Contributing to Northern Sentry is an opportunity to:

  • Build a professional writing portfolio
  • Receive real editorial feedback and mentorship
  • Develop reporting, interviewing, and storytelling skills
  • Gain bylines in a respected base publication
  • Strengthen your resume for future journalism, communications, or public affairs roles
  • Build connections within the Minot AFB community

This is a growth-oriented opportunity inside a real editorial environment.

Compensation

Compensation reflects the community-based nature of this publication and may be modest.

Writers who participate do so understanding that the primary return on investment is:

  • Experience
  • Mentorship
  • Published work
  • Skill development
  • Professional exposure

What We Expect From Contributors

By contributing, you agree to:

  • Meet agreed-upon deadlines.
  • Conduct interviews when appropriate (not simply rewrite provided information).
  • Submit work that reflects care and thought.
  • Accept editorial feedback and revision as part of the writing process.
  • Revise drafts when needed.
  • Communicate clearly if circumstances change.

Writing is a craft. Growth requires revision.

What This Is Not

Northern Sentry is not:

  • A one-draft submission platform.
  • A quick event recap board.
  • A space for unedited opinion pieces.
  • A publication that guarantees print without edits.

We are committed to quality — and that requires collaboration.

Our Commitment to You

In return, we commit to:

  • Clear expectations for each assignment.
  • Constructive, respectful feedback.
  • Editorial guidance and coaching.
  • Honest communication.
  • A supportive learning environment.

We do not expect perfection — we expect willingness to learn.

We are always looking for dedicated reporters. If you are interested, please send an email to Erin.beene@willowtreemarketing.com with the following information:

  1. A Short Writing Sample
    One writing sample (500–1,000 words each).
    If you do not have published work, submit a short reported story on a topic of your choice.

  2. A Short Statement of Interest
    In 3–5 sentences, tell us:
    Why do you want to write for the Northern Sentry?

  3. Availability & Commitment Level
    How many stories per month can you realistically commit to?

  4. Experience
    Have you written for publication before?
    Do you have experience interviewing sources?