How To Write Pitches that Turn into Assignments
From Loolwa Khazzoom,
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: One Week
Here’s How:
- Know Your Target Periodical
While hordes of periodicals cover the same topics (Women, Politics, Business, etc.), they all do so in different ways. I know, I know, it seems like an impossible task to distinguish between some of these rags, but if you stop reading them and start studying them, you’ll begin to notice subtle differences. And mastering those differences is key to landing an assignment.
- Research Back Issues
Go to the library, and read back issues of periodicals in your genre of choice. Start with a close look at the Table of Contents. Once you understand the overall structure, read the periodical section-by-section instead of page-by-page. Next, compare sections between issues (i.e., Jan., Feb., March). Take notes on the content, tone, and style of each section. You’ll begin to grasp exactly what topics are covered and just how they are approached.
- File Your Notes
Once you’ve got killer notes breaking down the vibe of periodicals, be sure to file the information in your Periodicals Database. Then when you’re ready to pitch that story idea to end all story ideas, you’ll know how to work it to get the editors swooning.
- Read the Writers’ Guidelines
Writers’ guidelines are often found on periodical websites. If you don’t find them there, hit up editors and ask for copies. Beware: Guidelines are useful for additional information about what periodicals are looking for, but you must ignore any and all instructions about how to submit your pitch. You inevitably will be directed to the big black hole known as “submissions@” — an email address where you can kiss your pitch goodbye. That’s because editors are shifty, squirmy little things from the Dark Side, intent on steering you far, far away from them.
- Think Up Story Ideas
Now that you know what your target periodicals want, start brainstorming story ideas for them. Jot down notes about topics, angles, and hooks. Practice talking about these ideas in sound bites — super-brief answers to the Holy Trinity of questions: Why this story, why now, and why for this periodical?
- Cold-Call Editors
Know that high squeaky voice that only dogs can hear? I used it on my first 100 calls to editors. (I’m only exaggerating a little bit). Cold-calling editors is about as intimidating as it gets, but as with anything, practice makes perfect. Be prepared to bomb, just be sure to do it with verve. Now that you’re totally nervous, take a deep breath and pick up the phone.
- Use What You Have
Have you published already? Do you have an MFA? Did the editor graduate from the same university as you? (Check your alum association.) Start off with whatever may hook the editor, giving a reason to speak with you. If you’ve got nothing to show (yet), try the old “take me under your wings” approach. Mention that you’re a beginning writer and a die-hard fan of the publication. Say that you’ve been studying back issues of the periodicals and that you’ve got some ideas for fresh new stories. Ask if the editor has a few minutes to speak with you, to help make sure you’re on the right track.
- Research the Topic
Once you’ve confirmed that the editor is interested in an idea you’re pursuing, it’s time to start researching the subject. Start off with background research on the internet. Once you’ve done your homework, get in touch with people in the know on this topic, to schedule interviews. When you’re finished collecting answers to the Holy Trinity, fall to your knees, bark out some fierce “Hail Mary”s, and get busy writing the pitch.
- Write the Opening Paragraph — Anecdote
Everybody loves a good story. If you’re writing about a musician, draw in the editor with a vivid scene from a wicked concert. If you’re writing about a health issue, start off with a dramatic narrative of someone personally affected by that issue. If you’re writing about a restaurant, open with a mouth-watering description of a dish on the menu. (And if you’re hell-bent on getting into the periodical, Fed-Ex the editor a sample. Especially if it involves chocolate. Actually, in that case, Fed-Ex me the sample.)
- Present an Anecdote Like This:
The House Jacks
They confidently emerge from backstage like a male version of
- Write the Opening Paragraph — Street Cred
Another way to grab an editor’s attention is by establishing that your topic is hot hot hot. If you’re writing about a new product, name-drop Fortune 500 companies that have invested in it. If you’re covering an environmental issue, discuss how many millions of people are affected by it. If you’re addressing a political concern, talk about related bills going through Congress right now.
- Present Street Cred Like This:
Miri Ben Ari
Perusing the Hot R&B/Rap Billboard charts, one does not expect to see a red-headed Israeli artist represented in the number three song. Then again, one does not expect to hear a violin-dominated musical number with no singing, rapping, or music sampling whatsoever. For Israeli violinist Miri Ben Ari, however, doing the unexpected is standard fodder; so it should come as no surprise that her new single, “Symphony of Brotherhood” (featuring MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech weaving in and out of a string solo) is topping the charts just one month after its radio release.
- Write the Closing Paragraph
The second and closing paragraph is the article summary. Here you will outline exactly what you’ll be covering in the piece. For example: “Miri Ben-Ari Takes Hip-Hop Violin to the Top” catches up with Ben Ari at this exciting juncture — revealing the inspiration for and musical process of writing “Symphony of Brotherhood,” sharing the emotional impact the song has had on fans across America (”I’ve played it for people putting their fists on their hearts and crying,” Ben Ari recounts), dishing out the background 411 on this gangsta violinist, and revealing what’s ahead in her career.
- Deliver the One-Two Punch
Even at this advanced stage of my career, most editors will not respond if I only call or E-mail them. Most, however, will respond if I do both (just, you know, to get me off their damn backs). Start off with a phone call letting an editor know you’re about to send the pitch. Then send it.
- Work that E-mail
The purpose of this love note is to introduce your pitch and remind the editor of all the reasons you’re P.H.A.T. (see #7, “Use What You Got”). Remember to add a signature at the bottom of your E-mail — a mini-bio followed by a link to your clips website. Type “Requested Pitch” in the Subject header, and you’re good to go. Position your mouse over the “send” button, say your prayers (cover your bases with a cross-section of religious incantations), and click to your destiny!
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