How to write a pitch letter

A pitch letter can make or break your career as a freelance journalist. A successful letter not only sells your feature idea. It markets your freelance journalism skills. If written well, it will demonstrate your understanding of audience and style and professionalism as well as selling your feature article.

Things You'll Need

• word processing package
• at least 6 copies of your desired publication
• internet search engine

Instructions

1. Read through previous issues of your desired publication. Would your article sit well with its readers? Look at the advertisements and text for clues as to who the readers are. If you're struggling, you could always download an advertiser's pack from the publication's website. This will tell you more about the readership including their age, interests, hobbies, etc.

2. Examine the masthead, or editorial staff, of the magazine. Compare it with authors of articles. Are most of the articles written by in-house writers? If so, they may not be open to freelancers.

3. Once you've determined your publication is open to freelancers and your subject suits it's readers and has not been covered before, it's time to examine the house style of the magazine. Some publications have this available for download on their websites. Others may send it to you on request. If this isn't possible, try to determine it yourself. Examine paragraph lengths, word counts for similar articles, language used.

4. Now for the pitch. You are aware of the audience, know that your article will work and you understand how to write it in the publication's style. It's time to get to a pc. Most publications accept pitches by email, so open your email browser.

5. Determine who should read your email. You can find this either through your publication's site or in its masthead. Failing this, telephone the magazine's office and ask the reception for an email address. Ensure you get the correct spelling of your contact's name. There's nothing quite as irritating as having your name incorrectly spelled.

6. Your subject line should hook in your contact. Make it interesting as your contact probably receives many emails each day. It should begin "Feature Proposal:" followed by your article idea or title.

7. Your email's body should be your pitch, with relevant information attached. Introduce yourself as a freelance writer interested in writing for their publication. Mention any publications you have worked with or any specialties which relate to your intended subject area.

8. Inform your contact that you are wondering if they would be interested in your feature on... Try to make it sound as interesting as possible.

9. Mention if your publication has covered this subject before and explain what new information or twist you'll be offering the readers. Bullet point the main ideas/features of your article, such as an exclusive interview. If your article relates to other news events, mention this. Your contact needs to be able to answer the question: "Why should I publish this now?"

10. Indicate what your word count will be as how long it will take to create the article. Be realistic with yourself.

11. Once you are happy with your pitch, check spelling and grammar. This is incredibly important as it will indicate to an editor that you have the basics of writing. Ensure your sentences are clear and concise.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be too formal in your email.

• Highlight new twists to old information. Every story has been written before somewhere at some time. How is yours different? What is your angle? Make this clear in your pitch.

• Be sure to spell names correctly. Spell it wrong and you could upset your editor.

• Ensure your grammar and spelling are perfect. Mistakes will make the editor doubt your skills at producing clean copy.