Do These 3 Things Before you Pitch Your Opinion Piece

Pitching your work is your first step to getting your work published and out into the world. It’s normally done via email and explains to the editor why they should publish your work. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be one step closer to getting your work published.

1. Be Specific

If you’re writing about something that you’re passionate about, you probably have a lot to say. Don't try to say it all at once.

Instead choose one topic to focus on and make your argument as clear as you can. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the editor to understand what you’re writing about and why they should publish it.

2. Check Guidelines

If your opinion piece is 2,500 words long and the publication only accepts 800 word articles, chances are the editor will reject your work. Before you send your pitch, find out the guidelines of the publication you’re pitching to. You'll often find the publication guidelines on their website.

Tailor your work to match the publication’s format, subject matter, tone, and style. The more closely your pitch aligns with their guidelines, the better your chances of getting published.

3. Email the Right Person in the Right Way

Find out who to contact and how to contact them. Whether it’s an editor’s email address or an online form, direct your pitch to someone who is responsible for accepting submissions. The publication will often have a webpage with all the information you need to submit your opinion piece. Don't just send it to a generic email address and hope for the best. A well-targeted email to the right person is much more effective than a generic message to an unmonitored inbox.

Still having trouble with your pitch?

Book a 1:1 Consultation or join Writing for Activism: Opinion Writing Masterclass to access tailored email pitch templates.

Photo by Ravi Palwe on Unsplash