If you want to make a career out of freelance writing, you must perfect your freelance writing pitch. Knowing how to write a compelling pitch for an article is definitely a skill one should have to attract potential clients. When you pitch an article, you are selling your idea to the editor. You must make it clear why your idea is a good fit for their publication and what benefits their readers will gain from reading it.

When you’re a freelance writer, it’s important to learn how to develop an interesting proposal. This is the best way to persuade editors to read your work. By understanding what makes a great proposal, you can focus on writing something that will stand out from the rest. Remember to highlight your skills and showcase your experience in your pitch.

The following are some pointers to assist you in learning how to pitch articles and get an editor’s attention.

1. Make Sure You Do Your Pitch Research

Look for a reputable publication’s editor on the internet. You can try searching on social media outlets. For example, you can type and search for “Refinery29” and “editor.” After that, you see a list of accounts with biographies that match your search queries. Many of them on this list will have contact information in their profiles.

Check for email format indications. When you write your email to the editor, address him or her by name (and, for the love of God, correctly pronounce his or her name!).

Some publications are a better fit for some topics than others. Make sure you’re familiar with the publication you’re pitching to so that you can be certain that they’ll want to print it. For example, Vogue magazine would be uninterested in a story about the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. On the other hand, Outdoor Life would love that story.

2. Make Them Notice You

Your email’s headline should be attention-grabbing and summarize the content in a way that makes the reader want to open the email and read more. Consider using clickbait titles to intrigue potential readers into opening your work. However, make sure that the content of your article backs up the sensationalized headline!

3. Make Your Article Short But Powerful

A good rule of thumb is to stay within two or three paragraphs for an email pitch. Editors have a lot on their plates. Avoid being overly wordy.

Your pitch must have the following:

• A potential headline. Editors can modify it, but it is useful to provide a possible heading.
• Your stand about the article. For example: If you decide to write about DC Comics, Is Superman the greatest DC superhero of all time, or is he overhyped? What are your thoughts?
• “WHY”. However, while this is the most important component of the presentation, it’s also one that many people overlook. Persuade the editor that your work is worthwhile. What is your idea’s worth? The human aspect of a product or event often aids in the success of a narrative.

When pitching an article, it’s important to keep in mind that editors are busy people. To grab their attention, your pitch needs to be concise and to the point. Most pitches are only a sentence.

Explain how the article will relate with its readers; adapt pitches to the publication. Site details why your narrative is timely, distinctive, important, and compelling. Mention key points in your article. Explain how your topic is significant in your summary if you believe you’ve covered an essential issue. Many individuals will most likely agree with you.

4. Make Your Article Clear And Direct To The Point

Give the audience enough information to understand what’s going on and how it’s important. This part should not be more than one paragraph and not more than 100 words per summary.

Make use of the format. Is your article an interview? A letter? A column? Let the editor know what to anticipate. Indicate the most important resources and where you got the facts to support your story. Set a deadline. Tell the editor how much time you have before pitching the article to other outlets in a succinct statement.

You may also say, “Please respond by the end of the day if you’re interested. If I don’t hear from you by then, my story will be pitched to someone else. Thank you for your time.”. In the event you don’t receive a response, giving someone a little nudge (just to make sure your email didn’t fall through their inbox) is good practice. Then, if you don’t hear back, assume they’ve rejected your article and move on to the next.

Your portfolio is a collection of your best writing samples. It’s a great way to show editors your style and your ability to write quality content. Your portfolio can also include links to articles you’ve written, or videos of you speaking about your work. Including your contact information makes it easy for the editor to get in touch with you if they are interested with your work.

5. Finally, Check Your Material For Spelling, Facts, Style, And Tone

Summary/Quick Tips:

If you can, include a link to the story so the editor can get a better understanding of what you’re proposing. You should also attach a copy of your manuscript if it’s already complete. Be sure to follow up with the editor after they’ve had a chance to look at your work. If they’re interested, they’ll let you know.

Under that, add a little information about yourself: a quick rundown of who you are, including previous publications if applicable so the editor gets a sense of your style and expertise.

If you don’t have any previous publications, send the completed article. This way, editors can see what you wrote and the amount of editing work it will need. The best way to showcase your writing skills is to send a well-edited and polished piece. This will give the editor an idea of your writing style and the amount of work they’re going to have.

Now, what’s next?

Don’t just gawk at your inbox. If you want something to happen, keep trying. Contact and follow up. Check to see whether your pitch has been read.

Do:

• Choose the proper editor for your article. Target your pitches.
• You should have a clear, succinct heading for your piece.
• A bio and contact details should be included.

Don’t:

• Reach out to a publication you are not familiar with. Make sure your style is appropriate for what they post.
• Lose hope! If you don’t get a response, make a call. If that doesn’t work, try another outlet.

When you start using these tips, pitching will become quick, easy, and effective. Keep practicing and pitching and I’ll see you in print!