How To Write A Pitch That Actually Gets A Reply

Writing a solid pitch to an editor can be an intimidating exercise for any writer. And for good reason. After all, the pitch is your one chance to make a good first impression, and, with a bit of luck, find yourself on the receiving end of an acceptance email.

Going in blind is not a good idea.

Crafting a reply-worthy pitch is a skill worth honing. I still cringe hard when I think back to some I've written in the past. But as most things go, the more you try the better you tend to get, so let's just pretend like those emails never happened and move on, shall we?

Here's four things to consider before you hit send.

Research

Before you do anything else, research. Get to know the publication you’re submitting to and familiarise yourself with the type of stories they regularly publish. Read some of their past work, pay attention to the types of topics they cover, and consider how your piece will fit in with their existing content. It kind of goes without saying that an irrelevant, un-researched pitch isn't going to elicit any kind of response.

Get Personal

If you can, find out the name of the actual human you're reaching out to. Sometimes editorial contact details will be right there on the publication's website, but sometimes not. If you can't find the name of the editor anywhere obvious, see if there's a company page on LinkedIn that can provide more info.

Wherever possible, personalise your pitch and send it to an actual person, rather than a generic email address.

Start Writing

Starting with, the subject line. If pitch guidelines are available on the publication's website they may guide you on what your subject line should say, but if not, feel free to get a bit creative. This is your chance to stand out in a typically overflowing inbox, so there's no need to rush.

Open with a brief hello and a bit of background about yourself as a writer, your skills and relevant qualifications, and any publications of note. A couple of sentences is really all you need.

Keep the pitch itself short and sweet too: no editor wants or has time to read an essay. Instead, offer up key details including the title of your piece, a brief summary of the topics you cover, and why you think their readers will love it. If you've had a similar piece published before, go right ahead and share a relevant link. Sharing work you've already had published is a great way to show a little street cred.

Above all, be specific. Paint a clear and concise picture of the value you intend to deliver.

Ask For Action

Be sure to wrap up your pitch with a call to action. Ask the editor if they’d like to read a full draft of your story, or suggest another way to follow up with you. Be polite and professional, but don't be afraid to show some personality. An editor is much more likely accept your pitch if they like you as much as your words.

With these four things in mind you're well on your way to crafting a pitch that leaves a lasting impression. Do your research, keep it brief and to the point, provide specific details about yourself and your work, and include a call to action.

Now all you have to do is (proofread!) and hit send.

Nothing scary about that, right? 😅

~ prb