Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a story is worthy by "pitching a story?" I have. I'm a baseball enthusiast, and it makes a lot of sense to me. When the editor is at bat with you, he or she has a few swings to make before making a connection ? through the story idea (ball) that could end up being a base hit or a home run. Naturally, everyone wants to hit a home run when they go to bat with an editor. Sometimes publicists and writers do have to walk to first base for the story assignment. Here are some helpful tips on how to pitch a story to an editor ? and how to at least hit a single, double, or triple ? if not a home run on occasion.
Use an Editor's Time Productively
Time spent on the telephone with an editor is more like a gift from God. If you want to be successful at purveying a story idea, it's best to have the information you want to convey rehearsed, or in note written form prior to your call. Try not to spend more than 10 or 15 minutes speaking about your story idea. Always ask the editor, "Is this a good time for you?" before beginning your pitch. Another great way to reach an editor is by a well-written e-mail pitch. In either case focus the presentation or conversation on your story idea(s). If the editor is interested, he or she may ask more questions. If not, the editor should tell you.
Facts, Sources, Images
The editor needs to be interested in the theme of your story. A quick 2-3 sentence synopsis should offer an original focus or angle on a topic related to the publication. For example, if I wanted to pitch to Ms. magazine, I'd want to have a feminist event, profile, or feature idea that would be appropriate. Identify potential research sources for your story, or elaborate upon contacts with experts in the area, to let the editor know you are capable of tackling the subject. This expansion on your topic is key to keeping the editor's interest. Many magazine and newspaper editors will also ask you up front about the availability of photographs to go with the story. Be prepared answer this question with some viable suggestions for photos and a creative approach. By now you've sold the story idea. So, don't forget to ask about the availability of a staff photographer from the publication to assist with photos.
Where do I Find Stories to Pitch?
Whether you are working for yourself or an organization or company, you have your comfort zones. These are vendors you are doing business with, your immediate environment, and social functions that seem aligned with your work. Go outside of your usual boundaries, experiment in other social venues, and talk to people as often as possible. I look for story ideas when I'm on assignment with a story. Because I write daily, I know that one story will inevitably lead to another. I also pick up story ideas in the bar, at the university where I work as a teacher, from other clients, from students, local activists, or during outdoor group activities such as hiking and camping. I listen closely to what people say, and I carry around my favorite pocketbook sized bungee notebook to record my thoughts and story ideas. When I have an editor on the telephone, or am lucky enough to meet one in person, I act like I did when I played ball: I just start pitching.
Tools of the Trade
Once, I had a bead collection I acquired from a friend who was sick of beading. She said to me, "if you just look at the collection long enough, you'll have ideas." This is what I did, and this is how I made my necklaces.
For writers, I recommend they look at as many hard copy and on-line publications as possible. Don't forget to obtain a copy of the current Writers Market. It's a useful publication for profiling buying publications. I suggest the budding writer look into publications in sync with their personal interests. For example, I enjoy backcountry hiking and camping. I would probably want to contact outdoors magazines to pitch them some stories. I also have an interest in local newspapers, travel, educational, and holistic healing magazines. I've pitched to all of these types of publications. When you find a publication you really like, write down the editor's name, e-mail, phone number and start to pitch. There's also a great writers' site called www.writingformoney.com. For $8 per month you can review an interactive on-line listing of publications which are currently buying new work. With these links, you can visit the publications directly, read about them, and e-mail the editor your pitch. The longer you look at these tools of the trade, the more ideas will percolate.
Hit a Home Run
You want to hit a home run with an editor and land a story? Well, try going to bat with two to three story ideas instead of just one. Or the story you've developed can be pitched at different angles, which may make it more suitable for your publication of choice. Make sure to view at least several articles from the publication itself before pitching an editor, so you can have an idea of that editor's taste in material and style. All of these tips should help you land a great story, and even more in the future. As with baseball: practice. With practice, you'll learn how to pitch like an expert.
About The Author
Elizabeth Kirwin has published work in national magazines and newspapers. She is co-owner of Sidhe Communications www.writingformoney.com in Asheville NC. She develops web sites, newsletters, brochures, and other marketing materials for companies and health care ogranizations nationally.For more information, e-mail ekirwin@bellsouth.net.
cheap limo service Lombard .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareMany of us dream of writing a book. Why not.... Read More
There are various forms of structure, including frameworks, work processes... Read More
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of... Read More
You must write a hypnotic persuasion letter to help you... Read More
Today I took the dog for a walk and realized... Read More
1. Turning your idea into a bookWith non-fiction books the... Read More
While novels do not usually attempt to convey concepts about... Read More
Back in my school days, if the teacher demanded a... Read More
If you want to be a writer, you must write... Read More
My bookcase take up one whole wall in the family... Read More
A QUERY LETTER is written to an editor or agent... Read More
Technology vendors often contribute bylined articles to trade journals. The... Read More
During my 25-year career in a variety of professional positions... Read More
Writers are often are greatly surprised or disappointed by how... Read More
Have you been guilty of procrastinating on your book project,... Read More
I recently set up a website to promote a new... Read More
Our Image-Driven SocietyWe live in a new image-driven society. It... Read More
People can't believe I did it, but I did. I... Read More
No matter what you are writing, the first priority is... Read More
Before I became a teacher, I was a sports writer.... Read More
How do you choose a name? Do you put down... Read More
Have you given up on getting your book out of... Read More
In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More
All the famous writers I heard of could paper the... Read More
Rejection. This scary word plagues virtually every writer this side... Read More
limo O'Hare Glen Ellyn .."If you're like me, than I'm sure you're pretty familiar... Read More
Did you know that your back cover information is, after... Read More
In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More
Peter Abrahams is the author of thirteen novels, including "The... Read More
The following answer sounds simplistic?but think about it. The single... Read More
I just finished to read a book. A story for... Read More
Not all writers write good grammar. That's a fact. It's... Read More
It's the funniest thing. When someone asks me what I... Read More
Writing technical articles is a challenge. There you sit, surrounded... Read More
My husband is no poet, so when I offer my... Read More
Riding on the fumes of potential, you take pen to... Read More
Creating incredible characters can be easy if you know of... Read More
Back in the mid to late 1980s I was a... Read More
In the ten years that I've taught people how to... Read More
Do you consider yourself a storyteller? Do you consider yourself... Read More
Yes, you know your subject. You also need to think... Read More
While novels do not usually attempt to convey concepts about... Read More
Many of the most effective low-cost marketing strategies require writing.... Read More
How to Start Your Story with a BangThe purpose of... Read More
First, let's tackle the question that is uppermost in many... Read More
Remember back in the dark days of your school years... Read More
Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a... Read More
What's the best way to plot?Quick answer: the best way... Read More
Be careful when you write.Words you use, sentences you phrase... Read More
"You should write a book." For years, I had been... Read More
Writing |