5 Best Practices for Writing Successful Article Pitches

Picture this: You’re an editor at a famous and respected publication — let’s say, Forbes. You open your laptop to start your workday, take a deep breath, and head to your inbox. You’re greeted by an avalanche of emails from people who want to contribute to your publication.

Sounds stressful, right?

Publication editors receive so many pitch emails that if they don’t know your name and you don’t include a memorable subject line, they might not open your email at all.

That’s why we’ll discuss how to write a good pitch email that gets a response and builds a relationship with the editor.

Before building relationships with editors at your favorite publications, you must learn how to pitch your content to them. Learn 5 best practices of an effective email pitch:

1. Include a descriptive subject line.
The editor will not open your pitch email if your subject line is snooze-worthy rather than attention-grabbing. You can create a more enticing subject line by giving it a sense of urgency, piquing curiosity, including big names, or incorporating emojis. Ensure the subject line clarifies what the editor will get in return.

CoSchedule offers an email subject line tester that you can utilize to ensure your subject lines are compelling.

Need some inspiration? Check out the subject lines of your top newsletters. Are you clicking because they’ve instilled FOMO? Are you wondering about the answer to a question they posed? What makes you put in the effort to open and read the email? Use those insights as inspiration for your email pitch subject lines.

2. Write from a newsworthy or timely angle.
Once the editor opens your email, you must make it obvious why the publication’s readers would find your guest post relevant.

According to Jim Davis, editor of HR Daily Advisor, “By the time we get article offers on a hot topic, we have already known about that topic and published articles on it.”

To ensure your content idea is noteworthy, start by deciding whether it has any of these seven values:

• Timeliness.
• Impact.
• Prominence.
• Proximity.
• Conflict.
• Oddity.
• Currency.

If your topic seems interesting based on the characteristics mentioned above, take the next step to pinpoint how your angle is newsworthy. Content marketing takes a markedly different approach from traditional media in most situations. Most likely, the publication you’re trying to connect to has staff writers or reporters who are constantly updated on the latest news cycle and keep the website filled with the latest breaking news.

So consider what makes your article complementary to that related content. What can you contribute to the conversation that no other person can? In your pitch, show that you have expert knowledge, especially on the topics that have already been published — potentially linking to an article on the site — and describe how your article can build on current content and elevate the conversation.

3. Determine what sets you and your content apart.
The editor relies on you to tell them why your article should be published instead of the ones that are being pitched by others. What expertise are you putting forward that no other person can?

For example, in a Bloomberg article, Laura Morgan Roberts gave this account in the introduction of her article, explaining why she is the right person who should cover the subject matter:

I have been studying race in the workplace for 25 years, closely examining the experiences of Black workers. I recently published “Race, Work, and Leadership,” an edited volume authored by over 50 leading thinkers.

Years of experience in your specific industry, authoring a book, notable roles you’ve played, and more — these can be used to highlight your knowledge and persuade the editor that your piece would provide immense value to the audience.

4. Establish why your content is fit for the publication.
When thinking about why the publication’s audience cares about a particular topic, ensure you understand who is represented within that audience. For example, an article covering startup founders wouldn’t do well in a publication with an audience of enterprise CEOs.

Don’t give the editor any homework. In your pitch email, clearly — and briefly — explain your proposed article and why it’s an excellent fit for the publication. Make it easier for the editor to say “yes” to your pitch.

Most publications have guest contributor pages or media kits containing all the information about the site’s audience. Some publications require you to exchange your email address to download the media kit, but that’s well worth it if it helps you craft a winning pitch email.

5. End on a clear call to action.
Before you sign off, clarify what you want the editor to do with your pitch. Do you want them to publish an article, give their thoughts on the topic, or give you the OK to continue writing?

Leave out phrases that could give them an easy out, like “You don’t have to reply if you’re busy.” Obviously, the editor is very busy, so help them by making the decision a lot easier! Try something like “Is this content engaging enough to publish on your site?” or “I’m looking forward to your feedback on my submission!” or “I’ll follow up in three days.”