Stop! Before You Pitch that Publisher, Tackle These 3 Tasks

There’s something about a new year that fuels our ambition to fill those freelancing schedules. Am I right?

Enter, article pitching.

After the popularity of last week’s post about pitching paralysis and previous posts about getting more writing jobs via pitching and whether or not you can get paid to write pitches, I thought I’d jump back into this topic.

This time, though, I’m moving backward.

We tend to focus often on how to respond to or craft a pitch, but before you make that move, there’s a little homework to do. Why? You need to fully understand the publisher and their content outlet before you can write a targeted pitch that meets their needs.

So, how do you do that? Put on your research hat and get busy.

Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela

1. Look up the publisher’s website.

Get to know their company values, the tone they use with their audience and what type of vibe they’re portraying with visuals, wording and color choices. Are they bold and outgoing? Are they minimalist and professional? Keep these observations in mind as you put together a pitch to pique their interest in your writing services.

2. Read the current content.

If you’re pitching an article or blog post idea, dig through the publication where it will reside. What topics have been written about so you don’t suggest something that’s already been done? What does the posts look like? For example, will your idea fit into their numbered listicle format or first-person essay style? Is your approach a good fit for the publication?

3. Review the pitch guidelines — again.

I know, I know. This sounds obvious until you realize one publisher might be generating content for various outlets, with a variety of tones and audiences. Pay close attention to the details in the call for posts so that you can accurately target the client’s needs, meet the pitch deadline and share the specific information that’s requested.

Then, go forth and compose an enticing article pitch that the reviewer can’t pass up. Here are some screenshots and personal insight from a few pitches I’ve written, sent to publishers and turned into blog posts: The Pitching Game: 4 Freelance Pitch Examples and a Template

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Note: This post was last updated on June 1, 2022.