Spencer Lanoue
Writing a magazine pitch can feel like an art form. In many ways, it is. You're trying to capture the essence of your idea and convince an editor it's worth sharing with the world. But don't worry, it's not as mysterious as it sounds. I'll walk you through the steps to craft a compelling pitch that editors can't resist.
Start With a Captivating Hook
First impressions matter, especially in a pitch. You need to grab the editor's attention right out of the gate. Think of your opening sentence as the headline of your pitch. It's got to make them want to read more. You might start with a surprising fact, a personal anecdote, or a bold statement. Whatever you choose, make sure it's relevant to your story.
For example, if you're pitching a piece about the rise of urban beekeeping, you might start with:
"Did you know that there are more bees buzzing around city rooftops than in some rural areas?"
This kind of opening not only intrigues but also sets the stage for the rest of your pitch. It's like giving the editor a taste of what's to come, leaving them eager to hear more.
Clearly Define Your Story Idea
Once you've hooked the editor, it's time to dive into the meat of your pitch. What exactly is your story idea? Be clear and concise here. You want to convey the essence of your story without overwhelming the editor with details. Think of it as the elevator pitch version of your article.
Here's a simple framework to help you structure this section:
- What: Describe the main idea of your story.
- Why: Explain why it's relevant or important now.
- Who: Mention the key people or subjects involved.
- How: Outline how you plan to tell the story (e.g., interviews, data, personal experience).
For example, continuing with our urban beekeeping story, you might say:
"I'm proposing a feature on the rise of urban beekeeping. With declining bee populations globally, cities are becoming unexpected sanctuaries for these vital pollinators. I'll speak with urban beekeepers, scientists, and city officials to explore how urban environments are adapting to support beekeeping initiatives."
Highlight Your Unique Angle
Editors see countless pitches that can often sound similar. To stand out, you need to highlight what makes your story unique. Is it a fresh perspective, a new piece of research, or a personal connection? Whatever it is, make sure to emphasize it in your pitch.
Your unique angle is what sets your story apart from others on the same topic. It’s the "why you" of your pitch. Why are you the ideal person to write this story? Maybe you have access to sources no one else does, or perhaps you've noticed a trend others have overlooked.
In the case of urban beekeeping, you could add:
"What's unique about my story is the focus on how cities like New York and London are becoming bee havens, thanks to innovative policies and passionate local initiatives."
Include a Working Title
A working title helps give your pitch structure and shows the editor that you've thought about how to position your story. It doesn't have to be the final title, but it should capture the essence of your article.
Your title should be catchy and informative. It should provide a glimpse into the story while leaving enough intrigue for the editor to want to learn more.
For our urban beekeeping feature, a working title might be:
"Buzzing in the City: How Urban Areas Are Becoming Bee Havens"
This title is both descriptive and engaging, hinting at the core of the article while inviting the reader to find out more.
Explain Why It Fits the Magazine
Editors are always looking for stories that fit the voice and audience of their publication. Do your research. Understand the magazine’s style, tone, and typical content. Tailor your pitch to show how your story aligns with their focus.
This part of your pitch is crucial. It demonstrates that you're not just sending out a generic pitch to every magazine, but that you've taken the time to understand their specific needs and audience.
For example, if you're pitching to an environmental magazine, you might say:
"Given your magazine's focus on sustainability and urban innovation, this story aligns perfectly with your readers' interests in environmental solutions and urban living."
Showcase Your Writing Credentials
Your pitch is not just about the story. It's also about you. Editors want to know that you have the chops to deliver on your pitch. Briefly outline your relevant experience, previous publications, or unique qualifications that make you the best person for the job.
If you have past work that relates to your pitch, mention it. This could be articles you've written, personal experiences, or professional expertise. If you're new to writing, don't worry—highlight any relevant skills or unique perspectives you bring to the table.
Continuing with our example, you might add:
"I've previously written for [Other Magazine] on urban agriculture, and my work has been featured in [Another Publication]. My background in environmental science gives me a unique perspective on this topic."
Include a Brief Outline
An outline doesn't have to be overly detailed, but it should give the editor a sense of how you plan to structure your article. This can be as simple as a few bullet points outlining the main sections of your story.
Providing an outline shows that you've thought through your story and have a clear plan for how to execute it. It also gives the editor confidence in your ability to deliver a coherent and well-organized article.
For instance, an outline for the urban beekeeping story might look like this:
- Introduction: The rise of urban beekeeping and its significance.
- Section 1: How cities are adapting their policies to support bee populations.
- Section 2: Profiles of urban beekeepers and their experiences.
- Section 3: The environmental impact and future of urban beekeeping.
- Conclusion: The potential for urban areas as sustainable bee habitats.
Polish Your Pitch to Perfection
Once you've drafted your pitch, take the time to refine it. Check for clarity, conciseness, and any grammatical errors. A well-polished pitch shows professionalism and respect for the editor's time.
It's a good idea to read your pitch out loud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing or sentences that don't flow smoothly. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well; a fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might have missed.
If you need a little help with the editing process, our platform, Spell, can be a lifesaver. It allows you to draft, edit, and refine your pitch quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort.
Send and Follow Up Gracefully
With your pitch polished, it's time to hit send. Make sure you follow the submission guidelines of the magazine. Each publication will have its own preferred method of receiving pitches, whether by email or through an online form.
After you've sent your pitch, be patient. Editors receive a high volume of pitches and may take some time to respond. If you haven't heard back after a couple of weeks, a polite follow-up email is appropriate. Keep it brief and professional, simply reiterating your interest in contributing to the magazine.
Here's a simple follow-up email template:
"Hi [Editor's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the pitch I sent on [Date] regarding urban beekeeping. I'm really excited about the potential of this story for [Magazine Name] and would love to discuss it further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]"
Final Thoughts
Crafting a magazine pitch is an art that combines creativity, clarity, and a bit of salesmanship. With practice, you'll get better at it. And remember, if you're looking for a tool to make the writing process smoother and faster, Spell is here to help you create and refine your pitches with ease. Happy pitching!
