The best pitches follow this basic three sentence format:
1. Introduce the idea in one short sentence. Often, this is the only thing necessary for a pitch to get accepted. This makes it very easy on me, the editor, to quickly determine whether the pitch is suited for my publication.
2. Include a brief sentence that adds credibility. This could be another sentence that expands on the idea, making it more concrete. Or it could be a short sentence that establishes relevant experience, or even a sentence mentioning previous articles we’ve published, and how this article was inspired by them.
3. Finally, a very short sentence to close the pitch. This part shows you’re easy to work with. Say something like “thank you for your consideration.” That’s it.
Three sentences. (Surrounded by Dear Editor, and Sincerely, Author Name.) If you’re able to summarize a good idea in just one sentence, it also shows you have a deep understanding of both the publication and the idea.
Sure, you can go long and double the length. Sometimes it is necessary, depending on the idea, but often it just makes it harder on the editor. But, a three sentence pitch is all you need to send for the vast majority of pitches. This type of pitch tends to work best for department articles, blog posts, and “front of book” pieces.
If you’re proposing a feature article for a major publication, I would suggest a longer pitch, while still focusing on quickly and clearly communicating why the story is worth telling, and why you’re the writer who should tell the story.
Also, this is not a strict formula that you have to use for sending out a pitch. There are many variations possible; feel free to develop your own style.
One possible variation is to propose two or three ideas. This gives the editor a better sense of who you are as a writer. Keep in mind, that the work you’ve done before writing the pitch is what ultimately determines the success of the pitch.
Will the editor be excited by the idea?
Does the idea closely fit what they publish?
Does the idea provide value not easily acquired by other writers?
(Such as exclusive access, domain-level expertise, or a unique perspective?)
Also, keep in mind that every publication is different
– some publications make it clear that they want much more in-depth pitches.
Some publications also ask that you send completed manuscripts, and not pitches.
This goes back to the work that happens before contacting the publication.
The more you know about them and their needs, the better your chance of success.
1. Introduce the idea in one short sentence. Often, this is the only thing necessary for a pitch to get accepted. This makes it very easy on me, the editor, to quickly determine whether the pitch is suited for my publication.
2. Include a brief sentence that adds credibility. This could be another sentence that expands on the idea, making it more concrete. Or it could be a short sentence that establishes relevant experience, or even a sentence mentioning previous articles we’ve published, and how this article was inspired by them.
3. Finally, a very short sentence to close the pitch. This part shows you’re easy to work with. Say something like “thank you for your consideration.” That’s it.
Three sentences. (Surrounded by Dear Editor, and Sincerely, Author Name.) If you’re able to summarize a good idea in just one sentence, it also shows you have a deep understanding of both the publication and the idea.
Sure, you can go long and double the length. Sometimes it is necessary, depending on the idea, but often it just makes it harder on the editor. But, a three sentence pitch is all you need to send for the vast majority of pitches. This type of pitch tends to work best for department articles, blog posts, and “front of book” pieces.
If you’re proposing a feature article for a major publication, I would suggest a longer pitch, while still focusing on quickly and clearly communicating why the story is worth telling, and why you’re the writer who should tell the story.
Also, this is not a strict formula that you have to use for sending out a pitch. There are many variations possible; feel free to develop your own style.
One possible variation is to propose two or three ideas. This gives the editor a better sense of who you are as a writer. Keep in mind, that the work you’ve done before writing the pitch is what ultimately determines the success of the pitch.
Will the editor be excited by the idea?
Does the idea closely fit what they publish?
Does the idea provide value not easily acquired by other writers?
(Such as exclusive access, domain-level expertise, or a unique perspective?)
Also, keep in mind that every publication is different
– some publications make it clear that they want much more in-depth pitches.
Some publications also ask that you send completed manuscripts, and not pitches.
This goes back to the work that happens before contacting the publication.
The more you know about them and their needs, the better your chance of success.
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