How to pitch an article to editors
Are you wondering how to pitch articles to magazines and newspapers? You’re not alone!
As a freelance journalist, nobody really teaches you how to pitch. So it’s no wonder pitching can feel like a mystery… but the unknown ends here!
My pitch to commission conversion rate is 96 per cent and I will show you that pitching needn’t be cryptic or unknown. There is a precise pitching formula you can follow to learn how to pitch an article to editors successfully.
But first, some of the basics of pitching an article or story idea successfully:
How to pitch features well
> Keep it short (max 350 words) and sharp.
> Give it a headline in the style of the title you’re pitching.
> State exclusivity.
> Attach relevant pix.
> Be clear on the news hook.
> Write your pitch in the style of the publication and state which series, section, or franchise you see it in.
> Pitch the right editor (usually commissioning, but it might be features, news, opinion etc).
> Read the publication’s pitching guidelines before writing yours (if they have one).
> If you have a case study, include the cliff notes - the most important points. The editor doesn’t need every spit and cough at this point.
> Be very clear. Your pitch should not be a stream of consciousness; the link to the news hook and the relevance to the publication’s audience cannot be tenuous or overlooked. If you’re having trouble making your idea link to the news hook, the link is too tenuous or your idea not yet strong enough.
> Don’t be so cerebral it makes the editor’s head hurt.
> Don’t agonise over the pitch, either.
> Let the editor know if you’re sending the idea to multiple editors as it’s timely, or to them first.
My book, The 10-Point Pitching Plan delves into what commissioning editors really want from freelance pitches, and is packed with dozens of with real-life examples of successful pitches to newspapers, magazines and independent titles, both in print and online.
My step-by-step guide - the most comprehensive freelance journalism guide on how to pitch, includes pitching templates, journalism tips and techniques not only from my years spent as a full-time freelance journalist, but also expert insight from my time as a commissioning editor for the biggest women’s weekly magazine, features editor on popular weekly magazines, and now, as the founding editor of Lacuna Voices.
The book is for you if you want to know:
• what commissioning editors really want from freelance journalists. <scroll for more>
• the 10 things you must include in your pitch/story idea.
• how to figure out the strongest lines of your story.
• how to write concise pitches.
• when it’s best to send article pitches to editors.
• the dos and don’ts of pitching.
• how to negotiate usage terms.
• the mistakes freelancers often make when pitching.
• what the seven types of article exclusivity are.
• how and when to negotiate special terms.
• why stories are rejected, how you can avoid it, and how to cope with refusals if they do come.
PLUS…
You’ll receive a brand new pitching template and access dozens of winning real-life article pitches sent to national newspapers, magazines (weekly and monthly), and independent digital outlets.
Download your free ebook sample below and take a sneak peek inside The 10-Point Pitching Plan, read testimonials from editors on national titles and university journalism lecturers, and stellar reviews from freelancers and student journalists.