How to pitch properly- any tips?

[BeckieJ]

Hi. I'm new to the site and hope to make a few contacts and pick up some info along the way!. I have a question which I hope I can get some really good advice on.
I've recently started to up my game in the freelance writing stakes,( i've been doing mainly free writing for websites and magazines) and have been trying to pitch ideas to magazine editors. My only problem seems to be, that I don't get any offers of work, so I'm assuming my pitching isn't up to scratch. Does anyone have any tips on how I should approach pitching to editors, (I'm aware of the basics, I.e. get the editors name, personal email) , I just don't seem to be getting any further than me sending the email!!!. I don't think its a case of me not being able to write, I just don't think I'm selling my ideas well.

Any tips most welcome!

Beckie

[BeckieJ]

does anyone have any tips at all???????????

[iveren]

Hi there BeckieJ,

I'm in a similar position to you - I haven't started pitching but I need direction!
Advice? Anybody?

[michael_walsh]

I work in a B2B environment where pitching to prospective buyers is an essential tool. No reason why it shouldn't be the same when hoping to open the purse strings of potential editors.
First identify those most likely to welcome contribution. There's no point in throwing mud at the wall and hoping some of it will stick. Then telephone to politely say who you are, and then ask who is the best person to address your proposal to?
Without too much clutter a brief letter to the named person (much better than 'The Feature Editor') introducing yourself and setting out your proposal. Try to stick to one paragraph.
In sales you have to be perceptive. There's two that are very important. 'People don't buy products, they buy people.' So get the recipient to like you. Don't be too formal. The other favourite is K.I.S.S (keep it simple, stupid).

[FreelanceUK]

Hi Beckie

Jan Murray offered this advice which I thought contained some helpful pointers: 'Think big' advice offered to new journos :: Freelance UK

Best of luck!

Admin

[michael_walsh]

Jan Murray's advice I thought was spot on, so much so that I printed it off. Thanks for that.

[BeckieJ]

Thank you very much! I shall print it off too!!

[the-baron]

If you have some good Ideas then make the most of them. Don't throw pearls before the swine.
What sort of Ideas and items do you write?

[BeckieJ]

Well, I mainly write about music, but I also cover pop culture, human rights, film, arts, entertainment. I'm quite good at writing about various topics really, I have a knack of making boring things interesting!

[kf2]

As a former freelance to the nationals, I'd say if a story/feature is worth writing, then get on with it - and pitch the finished product rather than the idea.

Good stories can always be placed.

Even if your writing is poor, the fact and information recorded in a news story (as opposed to feature) makes it saleable.

I always hired, as a news editor, journalists who could scoop over those who could write a bit but lived "on diary."

Believe in yourself - pick a strong angle for the feature/article - complete it, then pitch it.

Saves the news or features ed's time and lists you as a "do-er" from the off.