One of the ways freelancers find freelance writing jobs is that they send an “article pitch” or article idea to an editor. When you’re wondering how to write a pitch for an article or how to pitch an article to a magazine, know that a freelance article pitch is basically an idea you send to one editor at a particular publication that you think would be a good fit for their audience.
But it’s important to make sure your idea includes a few components so an editor knows you’ve done your research on the pitch and publication so they’re more likely to assign it to you. That’s where these article pitch tips come in.
I’ve been writing freelance pitches to editors and marketing managers for brands since 2006 when I first started my freelance side hustle. As a staff magazine editor at Prevention magazine, Weight Watchers, and Muscle & Fitness magazines, I’ve also received many pitches from writers. (Get my guide on how to write email pitches that get sold, with article pitch examples for magazines like Real Simple, SHAPE, Reader’s Digest and more.)
Some of those article pitches I received when I was an editor were great and turned into paid freelance assignments and repeat freelance work with a writer. Those freelance writers knew how to write pitch for an article!
Other pitches were duds and probably got ignored for a few weeks or turned down. BTW, If you’re curious about freelance writing websites where you can find freelance writing jobs, I’ve got you covered.
That’s why I wanted to cover an important aspect of types of freelance writing–like how do you write a pitch–in this blog post and share how to write a pitch for an article.
Pitching an article can be an effective way for writers to get published, build their portfolio, and earn money But crafting a successful pitch that gets accepted takes strategy and effort Follow these steps to learn how to pitch an article like a pro
Choose the Right Publication
The first step is identifying publications that are potential homes for your article idea. Make a list of magazines, newspapers and websites that publish the type of content you want to pitch.
Research each outlet to understand:
- The overall focus and target audience
- Popular article topics
- The tone and writing style
- Typical article length
- Submission guidelines
This helps ensure your pitch is tailored for that publication. For example, pitching a technical piece to a fashion magazine likely won’t be successful.
Research the Editor
Once you’ve identified target publications, investigate who will receive and evaluate your pitch. Most outlets list their editorial staff online.
Learn about each editor:
- Their name, title, and contact info
- The topics and sections they oversee
- Article ideas they’ve recently published
Personalize your pitch by addressing it to the appropriate editor. Mentioning an editor’s name and citing their interest in a subject helps get their attention.
Follow the Submission Guidelines
Every publication has author submission guidelines on their website. Follow these detailed instructions on how and where to submit your pitch.
Typical guidelines include:
- Where to submit (email, online form, etc.)
- Required pitch elements (topic, summary, expertise, etc.)
- Preferred format and length
- Supporting material submissions
Following the guidelines shows you respect the publication’s processes. Pitches that ignore the guidelines are often rejected immediately.
Craft an Engaging Subject Line
With an overloaded inbox, editors appreciate pitch emails with clear, compelling subject lines. A creative, benefit-focused subject line can help your pitch stand out.
Effective subject line formulas include:
- “Story Idea: [Article Title or Topic]”
- “For [Magazine Name]: [Your Pitch Summary]”
- “The [Number] Best [Your Topic] Tips”
Avoid overly salesy or vague phrases that may get ignored. Catch the editor’s eye with a subject line clearly describing your content.
Write a Persuasive Pitch Summary
The pitch itself should quickly convince the editor your article idea is a great fit for their publication. Limit the pitch to a few concise paragraphs.
The pitch should outline:
- A working title reflecting the topic
- A 1-2 sentence summary of the article focus and scope
- Why readers will value the information
- Your unique expertise in the subject matter
- Optional supporting materials like outlines or samples
Show you understand the target readership and why they would benefit from your content. Avoid exaggerating or making unrealistic claims about the article’s appeal.
Include a Short Bio
Editors want assurance you can deliver what you’re pitching. Add a quick bio highlighting your writing background and credentials related to the topic.
Elements to mention:
- Your education and training
- Published articles, books, or other work
- Awards, recognition, and media mentions
- Firsthand experience with the subject
The bio establishes you as a credible writer with the knowledge to produce the piece. Keep it concise and relevant to the pitch.
Send Any Available Samples
While not required, offering a sample gives editors a clearer picture of what the final article will deliver.
Possible samples to include are:
- An outline detailing the content sections
- An excerpt from the article draft
- Links to 1-2 published pieces showcasing your work
Reference samples in your pitch and attach them neatly formatted. But limit supporting materials to only the most relevant examples.
Check for Typos and Errors
Before hitting send, thoroughly proofread your pitch to fix any mistakes. Watch for:
- Typos and grammar issues
- Incorrect editor names or publication details
- Broken links to writing samples
- Formatting inconsistencies
Sloppy pitches reflect poorly on your professionalism and writing skills. Double check that every element looks polished.
Follow Up Politely
Be patient after submitting your pitch. But if you haven’t received a reply after a few weeks, a polite follow-up is appropriate.
Resend your pitch, saying something like:
- “Checking in on my article pitch below. Let me know if you need any additional information.”
- “Following up on the idea I pitched. Very excited about this piece – thanks for considering it!”
Avoid nagging editors or frequently checking in. If ultimately rejected, politely propose other ideas or re-pitch to a different publication.
With the right pitch, your great article idea can find a home. Do your research, craft a compelling summary, and target the publications your content fits best. Following these pitch advice can lead to exciting writing opportunities.
Step 5: Write a strong email subject line.
When you’re sending an article pitch, you have to set yourself apart from the publicists who are sending pitches to editors about their clients, new products, upcoming books, and event invites. My PDF of freelance article pitches has examples of email subject lines I used that got high open rates.
Model your subject lines after the ones I used when pitching editors to get them to respond to your article pitch.
I suggest your subject line say “Article Pitch:__” and then include a possible headline for the article. You could also say “Story Pitch” or “Freelance Article Pitch:___.”
This will let the editor know you understand how to write headlines as well as make sure they know you’re pitching a freelance article idea and not a product, service or person that you want them to write about.
- Give a brief description of who you are (see freelance pitch examples here);
- Include any writing experience or background knowledge you have that would be applicable for their outlet (i.e. you’re a certified personal trainer pitching this fitness idea, or a fashion stylist pitching a fashion trend, or a nurse pitching a healthcare topic); or, if you’ve written for similar publications to theirs (name those other magazines and websites).
- Explain why you are sending this article pitch right now (a timely study was released, it’s a seasonal idea, an anniversary is coming up that you want to capitalize on, a new book is out, or it could be an evergreen idea). Editors always want to know, Why this, why now? So make sure the answer to those questions are answered in your pitch as well as why you are the best writer to work on the freelance article assignment.
- Think about their editorial calendar and check it out on the website’s “media kit” usually at the bottom of the site. Remember that print magazines work ahead quite a few months so you should be pitching summer ideas in January and February and think about holiday season article pitches for magazines in the summer. (I’m finding online outlets are planning far in advance these days, too. I turned in a holiday travel article to a client at the end of August.)
- Let them know you’ve done your research on their website and if they have a similar article, link to it and explain how this will be different.
If you’re struggling with how to pitch an article to a website, think of shorter deadlines and lead times. You could probably pitch Easter-related food ideas in late February or March to a recipes website.
Step 2: Come up with an idea for that publication to write a pitch for an article.
When creating great content, the magazine article pitch or website article pitch should align with the client’s core values, be something their ideal audience wants to ‘like’ and share on social, be original and fresh, and could be a thought-provoking piece, like a thought leadership article on LinkedIn or an op-ed or personal essay.
Get more tips on creating good content here.
Brainstorming great ideas for a client takes time. Before you work on how to write a pitch email and think you have the perfect article pitch for a magazine and quickly try to write it up and send it over, identify “how do you write a pitch.”
Do your homework and make sure you’ve researched the publication as well as your pitch so you know it’ll be the right fit before you work on how to write a good pitch.
