The basic format for a pitch is a brief introduction that includes who you are, what you want to write about, and why it’s a good fit for the outlet. All of this should be approximately one paragraph. Sometimes, especially if it’s your first time pitching to a publication, you should include a few writing samples.
Before You Pitch
- Each outlet may have guidelines for pitching; review the publication’s available resources on their website before submitting a pitch.
- Review their website and confirm that they haven’t published an article on your proposed topic recently.
- Review and proofread your writing samples to ensure there are no grammatical errors.
Write the Pitch
For a review, it’s usually enough to say that there is a new release you’d like to cover for the outlet, but please keep in mind that some websites do not approve review pitches from writers they haven’t worked with before. That said, if they don’t state that clearly on their website, sending a pitch can’t hurt. If you have access to an early screener or if you have a potential personal connection to the material/a reason why you’re the right person to write about it, include that in your pitch!
For a feature, editorial, or essay, a robust, detailed, and concise pitch is best. An analytical piece might require more information regarding its relevance or importance to the community, genre, or cultural impact.
Here is an example of a feature pitch from writer Jael Peralta.
“Hello!
My name is Jael Peralta. I’m an Afro-Latin writer based in Miami. I wanted to pitch an idea for a piece discussing David Lowery’s The Green Knight. I want to explore how, by casting Dev Patel in the role of Gawain, the film imbues the old text with a new, compelling thematic resonance. Gawain and his mother are the only non-white characters in King Arthur’s court. As such, they both feel othered in this society, and Gawain’s quest serves, among many things, as an allegory for the struggles non-white people face as they fight an uphill battle for “a seat at the table,” as it were. I also want to discuss this in regards to the role his mother plays in the film, and how so often parents of color reinforce limiting expectations in a predominately white world in the hopes that their children can succeed. I believe this analysis is especially interesting given that Gawain’s race is never directly commented on in the film proper. Rather, it’s a subtle instance of “colorblind” casting informing a film without feeling didactic. As an Afro-Latin person working to carve out a voice for myself, this reading of the film resonated with me.
You can find more of my work at Film Cred. Thank you for taking the time to read my pitch. I look forward to hearing back from you.”
Jael also included samples, and specifically linked to an author page on another website. When you pitch, you should provide links to your best writing samples, no less than three. These can be links to where those pieces are published, or they can be attached as PDF/docs to your email.
Some publications want an estimate of how long it will take you to get a draft in. Include an estimated deadline for the piece. It’s a good practice. Word count likely won’t matter, but it’s good to ask if the publication has a required word count. Follow up within a week or two if a publication isn’t responding. However, not every publication responds to every pitch they receive. If it’s been longer than three to four weeks, you should take a lack of response as a rejection of your pitch.
Final Review
- Go over each outlet’s pitching guides, if they have any.
- Double-check their website to confirm they haven’t covered that topic recently.
- Tailor your messaging and pitch to the publication.
- Be concise and to the point in your pitch, and include potential headlines.
- Provide a detailed summation of your idea.
- Make it easy to contact you.
- Link to writing samples.
- Offer a proposed deadline alongside your idea.
- Follow up within two weeks after submitting your pitch if you haven’t heard back.
- Don’t let rejection discourage you! Keep trying.
For more resources for fresh writers be sure to check out film-cred.com/advice.
