How to Make Your Story Pitch Stand Out

Think about how you can incorporate interactive social media into your story.

Whether you have a story idea you'd like a journalist to cover, you have a story in mind that you'd like to write, or you've written a story and want it published, you'll need to make a successful pitch to the media. If your story is dependent on a certain holiday or time of year, pitch the story at least a few months before the event. Make your story pitch no more than a page long.

Instructions

1. Pitch your story to the right publication. If your pitch is not on target with what the media source needs, it won't be successful. Consider if your story would work best in a newspaper, magazine, newsletter or e-zine and research publications accordingly.

2. Make your pitch precise. Reporters typically scan your pitch in less than a minute, so avoid unnecessary fluff. Use bullets to draw attention to your main points and small paragraphs to make your pitch easy to scan.

3. Tell the journalist exactly why she should publish your story. Clearly articulate what your story is or will be about, why her readers will want the information, and if you want to write the story, tell her why you are the best person to write the story. If you have a unique perspective, a special contact, or new information on the topic, mention this in your pitch.

4. Call the journalist you want to pitch your story to and test out the pitch with him over the phone. Ask him if you can get his opinion about a story idea and when he would have a few minutes to talk. Once you've outlined your story, ask him if he finds your angle compelling, if he thinks his readers would find it interesting and for any general feedback. Adjust your pitch after you have received feedback from one or several journalists.

5. Research the journalists that you're sending your pitch to and cater your letter accordingly. Find samples of her work and mimic her style. If you find you have something in common with the reporter, add a personal note to make your letter stand out.

References

• Understanding Marketing: How To Pitch a Story to the Media
• Journalistics: How to Pitch a Story