Do Google your idea. Although it may seem obvious, we frequently reject pitches because the writer’s argument doesn’t feel novel or original. To find out what has already been written about your proposed topic here or elsewhere, a quick search for related articles can help a lot. This way, you can avoid pitching something that sounds too familiar. If someone has made your point, but you disagree with their conclusions or see a major flaw in their argument, this research may also help you formulate your opinion. That’s one way to frame your pitch!.
If you are submitting a story that falls under our purview of opinion and analysis, do so with a compelling argument. Slate is known for surprising, witty, persuasive arguments. The best pitches are succinct, clear, and contain just enough information. We don’t expect you to have answers to every question your piece may raise, but we do like to see that you did some research to help you come up with your pitch. Ideas that don’t take conventional wisdom for granted or presuppose the audience shares their beliefs are especially valued by us.
Do give a brief introduction to yourself in the form of a one- to two-sentence bio. Please provide any relevant published work written in a style similar to Slate’s if you can. If not, it’s acceptable to write from a personal blog or somewhere else. We do not need a complete CV.
If you submit your idea to several publications, exercise caution. Generally speaking, it’s best to wait about a week before sending the pitch to another publication if the story isn’t particularly timely. It’s beneficial to let us know if you do decide to cast a wide net. We unfortunately aren’t always able to respond to every pitch. Feel free to take it elsewhere if you don’t hear back after a week or so.
- Get right to the point. Let your potential editor know what they’re getting right at the top. …
- Provide a hook. …
- Make it easy to contact you. …
- Link to writing samples. …
- Offer a proposed deadline alongside your article idea. …
- Wait a few weeks, then follow up if you don’t hear back.
How to pitch an article
The steps you can take to learn how to propose an article idea to an editor are as follows:
1. Choose a publication and section
Many publications have various content sections to appeal to different readers. To increase the likelihood that your pitch will be accepted, it’s crucial to select a publication and section that would be the best fit for your article idea. Your pitch, for instance, might be a tale about the local wildlife. This article would probably fit in a fashion blog’s animal rights section but would probably be more appropriate for a local news site or an animal conservancy magazine.
2. Research the editor
Once you’ve decided on a publication and section, look for the editor’s contact information. It’s helpful to comprehend the articles they typically publish to better craft your pitch because it’s common for each section to have editors who specialize in different content and formats. Personalized pitches that use the editor’s name and demonstrate your diligence may also be more effective. On a publication’s website, you can typically find the name and email of the editor.
3. Understand the submission guidelines
Following the guidelines can demonstrate to an editor that you can adhere to instructions and actively seek out information. Guidelines are frequently provided for pitches and pieces submitted to publications. The rules differ for each publication and occasionally for each editor, but they are usually simple to find on a publication’s website or in the bio of the editor. They might ask you to answer certain questions, format your subject line a certain way, or send the pitch in a particular format, like in the email body rather than as an attachment.
4. Create your subject line
When creating the subject line for your emails, you may have a lot of creative freedom depending on the submission guidelines. When you send an editor a pitch, the subject line is the first thing they see, so make sure it’s intriguing to get them to open the email. It’s a good idea to add the word “pitch” to your subject line if there are no guidelines and to write a succinct description of your idea that draws readers into the article’s content. This could be a possible title or a teaser for the pitch’s most exciting section.
5. Write the body of the pitch
Depending on the submission guidelines, the body of your pitch may differ, but it may include a potential title, the article’s main idea, and why this publication should publish your story. To increase the likelihood that your pitch will be accepted, your main idea should be precise, pertinent, and consistent with the rest of the publication section. Think about including your position on the subject, particularly for opinion pieces, as many editors favor articles with a distinct purpose. Try to keep the body of your pitch brief to make it easier to read and to save editors’ time.
6. Add your bio
Your bio gives editors an overview of your writing background, interests, and any prior publications. While smaller or newer publications might accept work from authors with a range of experience, some larger publications might be more receptive to authors with prior publications. It’s a good idea to include an author bio even if the submission guidelines don’t require one if you have other published works or to demonstrate your expertise in the subject matter, such as if you’re a parent pitching a list of parenting tips.
7. Consider sending the completed article
To determine whether editors will accept completed pieces for consideration with your pitch, it is helpful to review the submission guidelines. Even though many publications don’t accept finished articles with pitches, some do because they can see your writing style and how passionate you are about the subject. Sending a completed, brief article can help new writers demonstrate their abilities and persuade editors to accept their work. Check to see if you should send a finished piece in the email body or as a specific file type if you decide to do so.
8. Check for errors
Consider performing one final edit before sending your email pitch. This demonstrates to editors that you are meticulous and care about the presentation of your work. To ensure you are sending your best work, check your pitch for grammar and spelling errors. Verify any information you included in your pitch, and provide references by way of links or citations. In order for your pitch to reach the right editor, make sure you spelled their name and email correctly. You can send your pitch once it’s error-free.
What is an article pitch?
A brief message intended to persuade a publications editor to take a story idea into consideration is known as an article pitch. Pitches typically contain a succinct description of the idea, reasons why it would work well in the publication, and the author’s biography and contact information. Article submissions are how publications find content from bloggers and journalists to publish. Especially for news or opinion pieces, freelance writers and staff writers may need to pitch their article ideas.
Tips for pitching an article
Follow these tips to help you successfully pitch an article:
What types of publications accept article pitches?
When submitting a pitch, there are many publications from which to choose. Several popular categories of publications that frequently accept email pitches for articles are listed below:
Example article pitch
Check out the example article pitch below to help you understand:
Subject line: Pitch: Is Painting Technology Destroying Traditional Values?
Dear Miranda Freeman,
Having found your contact information on the Professional Painter Magazine website, I wanted to reach out to you and share the following pitch with you because I believe it would fit well in your opinion section.
Technology advancements in painting can simplify a painter’s job and expedite the painting process, allowing people to enter their homes or offices more quickly. But I believe that new technologies are rapidly erasing the traditional and historical building painting community and replacing conventional painting methods.
Since many of the readers of Professional Painter Magazine value and appreciate conventional building painting values and techniques, I believe they would enjoy this article. The community of painters has a rich history and knowledge that shouldn’t be completely replaced by technological developments.
I appreciate you considering my proposal, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Ethan Howard
[email protected]
Longtime Connecticut resident Ethan Howard also works as a professional house painter. He has contributed to magazines like the Home Painting Journal and the New England Laborer News. Ethan enjoys researching historic structures when he isn’t writing or painting.
HOW TO PITCH EDITORS – Tips for Freelance Writers 2019
FAQ
Where can I pitch an article?
- Roads & Kingdoms. …
- Atlas Obscura. …
- HuffPost Opinion and HuffPost Personal. …
- Modern Love. …
- Racked. …
- Elite Daily. …
- Slate. …
- Narratively.
How do you write a content pitch?
- Know the story you want to tell. …
- Research publications. …
- Follow the submission guidelines. …
- Write a clear subject line for an email pitch. …
- Introduce your story with an engaging opening line. …
- Explain why they should publish your story. …
- Include your credentials or qualifications. …
- Thank them for their time.
How long should a pitch for an article be?
Don’t offer a general “topic” when pitching; instead, state the main characters’ identities and the essence of the story. ” c. Pitches are typically 1 to 1. 5 pages long, with a typical structure as follows: i. A sentence that appeals to the editor and demonstrates your ability to captivate the reader in journal-style
How do you write a good pitch?
- Do some pre-reporting. Make sure your pitch is well thought out.
- Fill in the details. Pre-reporting will assist you in addressing the following issues in your pitch, which Stossel deems essential for a winning pitch:
- Show off your writing skills. …
- Have a little drama. …
- Understand the news value. …
- Make it timely.
