7 tricks for the perfect pitch
Published:
January 13, 2011 All you really need to get an assignment from a newspaper, magazine or
Web zine is access to a computer and a great idea. Alas, there are many
mistakes you could make along the way, including spelling the editor’s
name wrong or starting your e-mail: “Though I’ve never read your
publication ...” Here are seven better ways to break in:
Know what kinds of work to pitch.
Unknown writers won’t have luck simply explaining that they’d like to
write a poignant piece about their relationship with their mother. For
essay columns like Newsweek’s My Turn, The New York Times’ Modern Love and Self
magazine’s Self Expression, you have to write it all first and then
submit the finished product. Don’t pitch poetry, short stories, humor
pieces or op-eds, either. Taste for these genres is subjective, so just
complete the piece and send a cover letter explaining what you are
submitting.
On the other hand, do pitch travel, service and
investigative pieces as well as profiles, Q&As and reviews. It
helps to get an editor’s input before spending money, traveling, or
conducting interviews or extensive research. Your “pitch letter” (also
called a “query” or “proposal”) should succinctly and specifically
describe your idea. “I’m going to China; you want anything?” is too
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