How to Pitch Editors With Story Ideas to Get Assignments

How to Pitch Editors With Story Ideas to Get Assignments How to Pitch Editors With Story Ideas to Get Assignments A pitch is a writers description of a potential story (and  why it should matter)  to an editor. A pitch can be delivered verbally- if youre on staff pitching to your editor- or sent via email. A pitch essentially makes the case for doing a certain story at a certain point in time, and most importantly, why youre the best person to write it. Writing a Successful Pitch Letter or Email And a good pitch letter should quickly and succinctly do a few things: Introduce the authorSummarize the story the author wants to writeExplain why that story matters You first have to be able to sell an article or an idea for an article before writing and being paid for it. Even if you have never worked with a particular  editor before, your pitch should be able to make a lasting impression, so that you stand out from the crowd and have a better chance of being given the assignment. How Do You Approach Editors With a Story Idea? Since editors often work with large numbers of writers, publicists, advertisers, and readers, unless you already work for the editor or the editor knows you personally, it can be difficult to pitch a story to them. Its not impossible, but editors get an enormous amount of email, so you have limited opportunity to get their attention. If someone you know can make an introduction to the editor you want to pitch, dont be shy about asking. If you dont hear back from the editor youve pitched within a week, do follow up. If you still dont hear back, chances are good theyre not interested (or dont have time to work with you). You should feel free to pitch that idea elsewhere if you dont get a response from your first attempt.   Do Your ResearchBeforeYouPitch Some publications have specific guidelines about how to pitch them and when, so take a careful look at their website before you fire off that email. Its also good to know whether a publication accepts unsolicited pitches (many dont).   One excellent resource that contains this information is Writers Market, a guide published annually by Writers Digest. It contains information about hundreds of newspapers, magazines and other publications such as how much they pay, how they prefer to receive queries (another word for pitches) and contact information. Its also a good idea to be familiar with a given publications editorial calendar, usually available on their website (sometimes under the advertising section). Do they have a wedding section every May? Dont wait until  April 15 to pitch that idea about wedding cakes. And do your research: Make sure your great idea hasnt already been covered by the publication youre pitching.   Pitch Your Idea to the Right Person There are few things more annoying to an editor than being pitched a story idea that is outside their scope. Dont pitch the sports editor with your great business story. Check the publications masthead (the editors and their titles) to make sure youre approaching the right person. And make doubly sure you spell the editors name correctly. Nothing gets a pitch binned faster than misspelling the receiving editors name.   Pitch With a Formula in Mind A well-written pitch should  be clear and concise. Heres what you want to include: First, introduce the story idea and define  the angle. Explain what you want to write about and explain your point of view and argument. Explain why your idea is timely, important, different and/or of interest to the particular audience and readers of the publication you are approaching. Be clear about why youre the person to write the piece. Expertise in a given area or an interest in a topic are fine reasons. A personal relationship that may signal a conflict of interest is not. Give a realistic estimate of the deadline for your piece.  Include your contact information, both phone number and email address. Some writers attach writing samples to demonstrate experience, although many editors wont click on attachments from people they dont know. Its better to include a link to your personal blog or website that will have examples of your work.