How do you write a quality pitch?

In one of my recently published training tutorials titled, "How to Write a Winning Pitch – Analysis of My Writing Pitch (That Landed the Gig)", a member requested a tutorial on how and where to pitch for content writing. Here is my answer:

A handful of editors have the tips below:

• Know who you’re sending a pitch – Go through the publication – Make it known to the editor why your pitch is ideal for their ditch. Your key objective is to help solve problems on behalf of an editor, not to create for them. Thus, clarify how your pitch fills a ditch in their coverage or presents a niche that resonates with their audience. Never plagiarize the same pitch and send to dozens of editorials without making it unique.

• Pitch a real human – Several editors are on social media platforms like Twitter and you can access their email addresses through a Google search. Ensure you confirm properly that the editor you’re pitching still works with the publication.

• Don’t pitch a topic, but a story rather – “Human rights” is a topic. “A legal practitioner who is volunteering to fight for the fundamental human rights” is a story. Just try to be specific. Get to know how to map out your story.

• Identify which section you are sending a pitch – Different editors within a publication are sorting different things. Not everybody can write 10,000-word features right outside the gate. Begin with smaller pitches and work your fingers to the bone.

• Write an outstanding subject line.

• Be original – Identify what others have written on a particular subject, and clarify why your own angle is unique and original.

• Add links to relevant hooks – If you are pitching an essay, add a few links to first-person write-ups, and more. If you are pitching an outlined feature, ensure you are sharing some links to outlined features you’ve done before.

• Do not link a full draft, even if you’ve written one already – Allow the editor to approve the pitch first, then return to your written draft and redraft it based on your editor’s requirements.

• Don’t start first with your bio – Attach a brief detail about yourself towards the end of the pitch, but note that editors will Google you out to confirm that the info you submitted about yourself is true. Ensure they find your portfolio or site whenever they do.

• Don’t write for $0 – Prior to pitching at all; find out how much writers have been paid in the past. And before you consent to the assignment, ensure you know what you’re going to receive. Request a contract at all times, and try reading the contracts before signing them.