Photo by Charisse Kenion
Editors always need fresh content and as a former editor of a biweekly paper, I’ve been asked many times about what I looked for when selecting features for the publication.
Other than understanding the tone of the publication (read and study the current and past issues) and searching for the specific person to reach out to (Art Director? Staff Writer?), here are a few tips that will let your creamy goodness rise to the top.
(That actually sounds gross. I just meant, here’s how to stand out among the crowd.)
Let’s dive in…
3 Easy Steps to Get Published Now:
1. Keep it short.
In the first sentence, compliment the publication and acknowledge a past article you enjoyed.
Then, go for the kill.
Keep your pitch to no more than 5 sentences and say you can provide more information if interested. Also, ADDRESS YOUR PITCH TO AN ACTUAL PERSON! Nothing gets tossed faster than a letter that says, “Hi there,”.
2. Include photos
Attach photos to the email. And if they were taken on an iPhone, the resolution should be sent as “Actual Size.”
THUMBNAILS DO NOT WORK!
I can’t tell you how many times I featured local products (that I liked and were legit) because they had nice, “Actual Size” photos attached to the email. (And I can’t tell you how many we’ve tossed because of grainy images that looked like they were pulled from a Google search. Seriously, step it up.)
Fun Fact: Newspapers and blogs can use “Actual Size” photos. For magazines, you will need professional, high-resolution photos. If they were taken by a professional, make sure you own the photos or have the rights for promotional use. This may come in the form of paying the photographer and/or giving photo credits. Make sure this is hammered out before you send the pitch.
3. Write Your Pitch Directly in the Email
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT write your pitch in a Word Document then attach to the email. Editors get so much mail and have so much shiz on their computer already that having to download a Word Document will piss them off and, bye-bye pitch.
Make it easy for them. Keep it light. We all have enough baggage. 😉
I hope this helps! And if you have any questions or anything to add, please share in the comments below.
Happy pitching – YOU GOT THIS!
Catch up on the Freelance Writing series!
(PART 1) BUCK THE SYSTEM & CREATE A REMOTE WORK LIFE
(PART 2) 6 STEPS TO WORKING REMOTELY & “THE FASHION STORY”
MONEY TALK: A FREELANCE WRITER’S INCOME EXPOSED
MONEY TALK: MISTAKES WE MADE WHEN SPLITTING FINANCES (& HOW WE FIXED THEM)
MONEY TALK: HOW DOES A FREELANCE WRITER AND COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN MAKE IT WORK?