Simply put, a media pitch is
an attempt to get a journalist/editor or media outlet interested in your news so that they decide to cover it
. Almost always, a media pitch is done by email, but it’s also possible to do it via social platforms, telephone, or traditional mail.
What is a good media pitch?
Just like any other pitch, it should concisely sum up the idea, why it is relevant, and why you are the person to write it. Good PR is all about
keeping your contacts warm
, which means sending courteous follow-ups to your pitches and keeping in touch with journalists you have worked with before.
How do you write a media pitch?
- Types of Leads in Journalism. …
- Media Pitch Structure and Basics. …
- Subject Line for Pitch Emails. …
- Use Timely News Stories and Research. …
- Know the Reporter’s Beat. …
- Keep it Concise and Know Your Story. …
- Following Up is Key to Media Pitching. …
- Cold Pitch.
What is a pitch in PR?
A PR pitch is
a short personalized message that outlines the value of a story and explains why it should be published
. It is usually 150 words long but can reach up to 400 words.
How do you pitch to a media outlet?
- You start with the lead. This is your news peg or why your story is newsworthy.
- Next, put your call-to-action. …
- Then define your value proposition. …
- Conclude your email with a thanks and recap your call-to-action.
What is a story pitch?
A pitch is
a brief description (usually no longer than 500 words or two paragraphs) of a story intended to convince an editor, producer or publisher to commission the piece
. … For example, a journalist may email the editor of a newspaper or magazine to explain an idea for an article.
How do you write a good pitch?
- Do some pre-reporting. Make sure your pitch is well thought out. …
- Fill in the details. Pre-reporting will help you answer the following questions in your pitch, which Stossel says are musts for a successful pitch: …
- Show off your writing skills. …
- Have a little drama. …
- Understand the news value. …
- Make it timely.
How do you send a pitch?
- Research the publication before you pitch. …
- Personalize every pitch. …
- Be friendly and polite. …
- Introduce yourself. …
- Introduce your work and explain why it’s a good fit. …
- Attach samples of your work. …
- Proofread and check your links before sending.
What is a pitch in writing?
A pitch is
an email you write to an editor explaining a story idea that you feel is perfect for their publication
, in hopes that they’ll agree and commission you to write the article. … You’re not sending them the entire written story — called writing on spec.
What is a pitch letter?
What is a Pitch Letter? A pitch letter is
a short version of the larger story you wish to tell
. Pitch letters should not exceed 1-page in length and you should write them in the style and voice of the publication that you would like to write for.
What should be included in a PR pitch?
- #1. Keep it short. …
- #2. Improve your subject lines. …
- #3. Send from the right address. …
- #4. Make it topical and relevant to the recipient. …
- #5. Don’t BCC. …
- #6. Get their attention on social media first. …
- #7. Focus on building a relationship.
What does a story pitch look like?
There is a story
Good pitches include basic narrative elements:
a specific focus, a central question, stakes, a conflict
and/or a central character. Ideally, something happens in the story.
How long should a media pitch be?
All pitches should be clear, concise and succinct and shouldn’
t be longer than three to four paragraphs
. It is important to remember that busy people won’t read a long email, so the first paragraph should clearly outline your main ideas.
How do you pitch the media like a pro?
- Get to the point. …
- Try not to trip over any of the names you drop. …
- Answer the question(s). …
- Cite statistics like it was your major. …
- Don’t ask too many questions. …
- Keep it cool, man. …
- Link your PR pitch to your website. …
- Prepare to get quoted in the media.
What is a pitch email?
It tells the recipient it’s
a marketing email
(assuming they’re the marketing person at the company you’re contacting). It shows them you’re sending the email to their company individually. The “that doesn’t suck” part is your way to show a little personality and stand out.
