If you’ve ever searched the phrase “how to pitch” or “how to query an editor”, you’re probably familiar with the classic ‘pitch’ structure - something I haven’t really covered in the post below.

Basically, it runs for 4-5 paragraphs and usually goes something like this:

Dear/Hi [editor’s name],

Title of proposed story in bold.

First paragraph introduces the story idea, written in the same style, structure and tone as the first paragraph of an article in that publication would.

Optional second paragraph elaborating on the idea, still written in the style of the publication you’re pitching.

I’d like to offer you an article on X. The article would cover A, B and C, speaking to experts Y and Z, and would run for approximately NUMBER words.

I am a freelance writer who has been published in LIST ONLINE AND PRINT PUBLICATIONS HERE. I would be happy to send you samples of my published work on request.

Thank you for your time, I hope to hear from you soon. I can be reached on PHONE NUMBER or at this email address.

Many thanks/Best wishes/Kind regards,

YOUR NAME

It has its strengths. It gets all the information across, clearly communicates who you are and what your story is about, and it’s not a bad place to start out. Personally, I find it a little restrictive, though, and I find it doesn’t lend itself well to the kind of compelling writing that leads to commissions - as I wrote in the previous post, a pitch is essentially a sales document.

Personally, I find my pitches work better if structured more like an ordinary email: I introduce myself if I haven’t worked with an editor before, tell them about my idea and why I’m excited about it (and think they’re the right people to publish it with - genuine flattery that shows you know the publication never goes astray), and elaborate on my core idea/argument over a couple of paragraphs if necessary.

I’ve known other writers who’ve written half the article and said that I’ll have to commission them if I want to know more - a strategy I find quite enticing because it nicely demonstrates that a) you have a good idea, b) you’ve already gone to some effort to research it, and c) you can write really well, and in the style I require.

Former New Yorker correspondent Daniel Baum says he used to send out highly detailed, researched two page pitches when he was first trying to break the magazine - not a strategy that would work for every publication, but perfect for one that prizes long articles and top quality writing.

How do you pitch?

Related: Ask Rachel: How do I write a killer newspaper or magazine pitch?
Ask Rachel: How can I stay motivated as a freelance writer?
Seven enviable lines: advice for freelance writers