One of the most challenging tasks as a writer is pitching your work. It’s not a technically difficult task, but it can be emotionally daunting particularly if you get rejected a few times. But the important thing to remember, is getting rejected is a normal part of being a writer. But being exploited is not a normal part of being a writer, so make sure you only pitch stories you are comfortable telling
Some publications will have submission guidelines and submission forms online which means you can go right ahead an submit a full article to them. For other publications you will need to pitch your idea to the editor before writing it.
Before submitting an article or pitching an article, it is important to remember the following things:
1. Find out how the publication receives submissions.
2. Read the publication and understand their tone, style and the type of things they publish.
3. Pitch something relevant to the publication. If they only publish 800 word articles don’t send them a 3000 word essay and vice versa.
PITCH TEMPLATE FOR COLD PITCHES
Hi [Insert editors name],
Hope you are well.
I found your email [insert where you found their email eg. On the publications website] and have included some pitches in this email for your consideration.
A little bit about me; [Insert a 100-150 word bio about your experience as a writer and your publication history. If the article your pitching is about an industry that you have specific experience in, include that information too if you feel comfortable].
Pitches:
[1. Title of first article pitch
Insert you pitch here it should be no longer than 200 words and include what the article is about, who you will interview and why you are the best person to write this article.]
I sincerely hope you will consider publishing one of my articles and I look forward to hearing from you.
Now it’s your turn! Pitch us an article!
Sometimes the hardest part of pitching can be pressing send, so give it a practice run below and send your pitch off into the world (our editors inbox)!
Thanks for joining Back to Basics we hope we’ll be seeing your pitches soon!!