More and more I’m seeing a need for tips on pitching in the freelance writing world.
People aren’t sure how to craft a pitch, or they’re feeling insecure. Or they’re writing WAY too much. And not including the right elements.
No matter if you’re new to the biz or have years of freelancing experience, getting and staying in pitching shape is a good idea!
Tips on pitching for freelance writers
OK, so you might be thinking you don’t need tips for pitching because you’re getting by from other ways of getting gigs.
And I’m sure that’s true! Cold pitching (or any pitching really) is just one way freelance writers get work. But it’s SUCH an important skill and quite helpful when it’s time to up-level or up-sell.
Quite. Helpful.
And in my effort to be a conscientious and effective literary citizen I’m trying to put more helpful pitching advice into the world.
By the way, I have four pitch templates for you! These are free downloads but you’ll need a password to access them in my resource library. Just pop your email address into the form below and I’ll send you the password.
Once you’re in the resource library navigate to the freelancing section and look for “Pitch Templates.”
Here’s an easy and repeatable approach to cold pitching
- Make a list of 10 cold prospects in your target market (LinkedIn will be a gold mine here)
- Send them an email asking if they work with freelance writers. Keep it short to the point (see my pitching templates below for more on that!)
- Once you’ve sent your 10 emails make a new list with 10 new people
- Repeat steps 1-3
Make sure to download my four pitch templates. There’s a cold pitch template, a letter of inquiry template and more!
These are free downloads but you’ll need a password to access them in my resource library. Just pop your email address into the form below and I’ll send you the password.
Once you’re in the resource library navigate to the freelancing section and look for “Pitch Templates.”
Having trouble choosing a niche? Just pick something and start. Start with what you already know about.
You’ll know fairly soon if you’ve chosen the right path once you start taking action. Focus on one pitch at a time. Don’t expect to strike it rich or get into your dream publication with your first pitch.
Just keep pitching.
Other pitching resources
Here are a few great pitch tips from around the web I hope will be helpful!
- Freelance Writing Jobs – How to Write a Pitch Letter that will snag the gig!
- To Understand the Audience You Write for, Create a Reader Story
- The Bitchin’ Pitchin’ Newsletter
One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.
This is a free resource but I do require a password to access the library itself. You can get access by popping your email address into the form below.