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Writers, here are some top tips on stuff that commissioning editors have mentioned to me (and some of my own pet peeves).
1. Don't be overly familiar with an editor unless you have established that type of relationship. It's still business and money at the end of the day.
1. Don't be overly familiar with an editor unless you have established that type of relationship. It's still business and money at the end of the day.
2. Don't pitch five stories at once - perhaps they are all great, but more often than not, editors will simply feel you have scrambled together anything you can for the sake of a commission. Quality over quantity please.
3. Get our names right.
4.... see next tweet
3. Get our names right.
4.... see next tweet
4. If you get a no from an editor, don't pitch a new story five minutes later - give it a day and then go back. Again, because it feels like you are just grabbing at any story for us to commission rather than what is write for our publication.
5. Be concise... see next tweet
5. Be concise... see next tweet
5. Don't send lengthy paragraphs - a great story doesn't need them. Provide a working headline, a short synopsis of what you would say and why you are the best person to write it.
6. Don't chase up same day unless it's time-sensitive, we get A LOT of pitches.
7. See next tweet
6. Don't chase up same day unless it's time-sensitive, we get A LOT of pitches.
7. See next tweet
7. Having said that, don't be afraid to chase us up if we haven't replied. Personally I try my best to reply to every single author, even if sometimes it can take a while.
8. Always, ALWAYS put time-sensitive in the subject line if it indeed is time-sensitive.
9. See next tweet
8. Always, ALWAYS put time-sensitive in the subject line if it indeed is time-sensitive.
9. See next tweet
9. Look at our publication before you pitch - see what the latest stories are so that you don't pitch the same thing.
10. Remember, we are human beings, just like you.
10. Remember, we are human beings, just like you.
@WritersofColor @freelance_hacks @journalism_jobs @journoresources @PRJournoRequest @JournoLinkMedia @backlede
In case this is useful to you/the people who pitch through/use your channels!
In case this is useful to you/the people who pitch through/use your channels!
