It all begins with an effective pitch. Selling an article idea to an editor of a magazine or newspaper starts with sending a pitch or query letter, particularly if the writer is just entering the freelance world or has never worked with that particular editor before.
This article outlines some tips on article pitching from The Coast's news editor, Tim Bousquet, Halifax Magazine 's editor, Trevor Adams, and the author of Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer, Jenna Glatzer.
Know the Magazine/Newspaper
When a writer has a story idea, he or she needs to find media sources that print stories reflective of that theme.
Almost every editor and successful writer will tell a freelancer that one of the most important aspects to pitching an article is knowing the magazine or newspaper he or she is pitching. Adams says that writers will not be successful if they pitch a story that does not fit the style and content of his magazine or represent the demand of its readership. He says that most editors are willing to send out back issues of their publication for writers to study.
Glatzer says copies of media print can also be found at the library, doctor’s offices or on a friend’s coffee table. Glatzer further recommends checking out the magazine or newspaper’s writers' guidelines.
Write or Pitch First?
It is sometimes confusing for new writers whether to research, interview sources and write a draft of the article first or to start by pitching the idea to an editor.
Tim Bousquet says that if he has not worked with the freelancer before, it is probably a good idea to have a well-developed story already so he or she can provide a fuller pitch. He adds, “A regular freelancer builds up some knowledge about a particular beat, though, so it's not necessary.”
Glatzer, when pitching to a publication for the first time, arms herself with the ammunition of talking to some experts on the topic and doing extensive research before sending a query letter.
There needs to be some balance, however, Adams adds. "If a freelancer spends three weeks of valuable time working on a potential story, it would suck not to find an editor interested in buying the article," he says.
Mode of Communication
Bousquet, Adams and Glatzer all concur that e-mailing a pitch is most appropriate, not only because it yields a faster turnaround time than snail mail, but also because editors are extremely busy and do not have a lot of time for phone calls.
A typical day for an editor may include writing and editing several pieces, researching to verify facts, checking up on late submissions, meeting with the graphic designer, meeting with the chief editor to discuss deadlines, and looking at over 100 query letters.
Bousquet, a very busy editor, adds, “I don't want to meet for coffee to discuss anything-- I'm already too busy. I definitely DO NOT want phone calls. That will annoy me to no end and I'll think you're a crazy person. Email is best”.
Remember to include an effective subject line. Rather than just writing "Article idea" or "Pitching an Article", try to come up with something catchy that will grab the editor's attention. Make sure it does not resemble spam language. If the title of the potential article is entertaining, typing "Query" plus the title as the subject line may prove successful.
What to Include in a Pitch
Glatzer says that a writer’s pitch has to stick out from the crowd; this can be done by beginning the letter with “a hook”, an introductory sentence about the proposed article that leaves the reader wanting to know more. Examples, she provides, of good hooks are: “Sex cures cancer” or “A high school student in Philadelphia has already made more money this year than you or I will in our lifetimes”. Glatzer then says to write a short synopsis of the story.
Short is key. Tim Bousquet says, “I don't want to know about your life history, or whatever. I want to know about the story. Succinct, to the point”. He adds that he is not interested in hearing about a writer’s credentials or reading all of their past articles. Sometimes the best ideas and pieces he has received have come from rookies.
Adams says that the pitch can however include a short introduction on the writer’s experience and a blurb on why his or her idea fits the style of the publication. He also recommends that the writer has writing samples on hand that represent the style of writing of the magazine or newspaper, as he often asks new freelancers for these.
Don’ts
Don’t pitch a story if it cannot be delivered. For example, don’t promise an interview if the subject hasn’t even been contacted yet. (Adams)
Don’t pitch a story that has just been published in the targeted publication or its competitors. (Adams)
Don’t contact editors close to deadline time. It is better to contact them after the issue has just gone out. (Glatzer).
Don’t send a query with grammatical and spelling mistakes. If an unchecked pitch is sent, it will reflect badly on the freelancer’s writing ability. (Glatzer).
Persistent Pitching – Ambitious or Annoying?
Adams says it depends on the editor whether persistent pitching poses irritation. He recommends asking the editor when the best times of the month are for sending queries and how often is acceptable. Bousquet says he does not mind chronic pitchers as long as the e-mails are concise. “I've given writers assignments, precisely because even though their pitches weren't exactly what I was looking for (no sin in that!) I could tell they were eager and willing to write, he adds.
All in all, to succeed as a freelance writer, it takes initiative. Some writers have asked editors outright to receive regular assignments and were hired; others have put themselves in risky situations to get an intriguing story. To new freelance writers everywhere, always think, observe, read and write, learn from your mistakes, and don’t give up!
Michelle Brunet - I am a late bloomer when it comes to writing and being published. Out of high school I completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology and ...
