Feature writing: how to pitch a national newspaper, magazine or website and get a commission
- Mar 26, 2018
- 3 min read
Editors of national newspapers, magazines and websites receive hundreds of pitches every day, so how do you make your pitch stand out so that it's your feature that gets commissioned?
Here are my top tips to maximise the chances of a commission.
1. Write a catchy headline
Summarise your pitch in one short sentence so that your email stands out in the editor's inbox. Editors are wading through so many emails that if you write something vague and uninspiring, they probably won't open it. They just don't have time.
Write 'Pitch:' then summarise your idea in as few words as possible. Make it sound exciting!
2. Do your research
Make sure your idea is actually appropriate to the publication you're pitching. NEVER mass pitch the same idea to loads of publications - editors hate it because it suggests you haven't bothered to do your research.
All publications have different audiences and editors want content that fits their audience. Make sure you have actually read the content they already have so you aren't duplicating ideas they've already published, and so that your pitch is targeted correctly.
It's a good idea to suggest the particular section of the magazine, newspaper or website where you see your piece fitting, as this shows you have thoroughly researched the publication and aren't just randomly sending stuff out in the vague hope it gets commissioned.
3. Keep your pitch short
Don't go on for ten million paragraphs about your idea - editors are busy and they just don't have the time (or the will) to read your Homeric epic. Stick to one or two paragraphs if you can, maybe one more if you absolutely must. But no 78 page essays!
If you're writing for UK publications, never write the whole thing 'on spec' (i.e. in the hope they'll publish it). This is usually how it works in the US market, but not in the UK. If you send them the completed article when they haven't commissioned it, you'll just look like an amateur.
4. Tell them who you are
If you have any writing credentials, tell them. If you've written for other, relevant publications, say which ones. If you have specialist knowledge on the subject, or you're particularly qualified to write about it, say so. This shows editors why they should commission you and not someone else.
5. Link to writing samples
Link to writing samples on your website or blog. This helps editors to see what your writing style is, and whether it's a good fit for their publication.
6. Be pleasant and polite
Editors want writers who they think will be easy to work with, who will stay pleasant and polite - even if they are asked to do multiple rounds of edits, or add another interviewee or similar. Make their life as easy as possible and they'll love you for it.
7. Don't suggest a word count
That's the editor's job, not yours. You may also talk yourself out of money, as many publications pay by the word!
Certain national websites have a set word count and a set fee, so if you suggest a word count for your feature, you will be showing them you haven't done your research properly (unless you get it right, of course!).
Hope you found that helpful! If you'd like to get in touch to discuss my writing and consultancy services, please email me on sarahfletcher11@hotmail.com or fill out the form on the home page.
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