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A few common mistakes we make when pitching and submitting articles- a thread.
#1 Forgetting a bio
If you've never pitched to a particular editor/pub, introduce yourself. Include who are you, where you've written and what you write about in a few sentences.
#1 Forgetting a bio
If you've never pitched to a particular editor/pub, introduce yourself. Include who are you, where you've written and what you write about in a few sentences.
#2 Sending a whole draft
Unless otherwise stipulated, don't send a full draft. The only time this has benefitted me is when I had a solid working relationship with the editor. Otherwise, send a pitch and wait for feedback.
Unless otherwise stipulated, don't send a full draft. The only time this has benefitted me is when I had a solid working relationship with the editor. Otherwise, send a pitch and wait for feedback.
#3 Not reading submission guidelines
There may be a particular email to send articles to, a certain subject line to include, a certain way of sending drafts, etc. If one is available, always read the submission guidelines.
There may be a particular email to send articles to, a certain subject line to include, a certain way of sending drafts, etc. If one is available, always read the submission guidelines.
#4 Not proofing your drafts
Check for grammar and spelling, make sure your links work, that you've cited your references etc. Grammarly or Hemingway Editor are good tools.
Check for grammar and spelling, make sure your links work, that you've cited your references etc. Grammarly or Hemingway Editor are good tools.
#5 Being private on social media
If you're a writer, you absolutely should market yourself on social. You don't have to dedicate hours per day to this. But update your bio and keep recent links to your work pinned. Don't be mysterious.
If you're a writer, you absolutely should market yourself on social. You don't have to dedicate hours per day to this. But update your bio and keep recent links to your work pinned. Don't be mysterious.
#6 Not researching the publication
Spend some time with a publication's content. What kind of articles do they publish? What topics could they use more of? Before you pitch, make sure it's relevant and even mention that relevance when you pitch.
Spend some time with a publication's content. What kind of articles do they publish? What topics could they use more of? Before you pitch, make sure it's relevant and even mention that relevance when you pitch.
#7 (BIG ONE) Leaving the pitch in drafts
Send the pitch. Don't sit on it, don't talk yourself out of it, don't procrastinate so that the moment passes.
That's it, send the pitch.
Send the pitch. Don't sit on it, don't talk yourself out of it, don't procrastinate so that the moment passes.
That's it, send the pitch.
Hope these help. I'm sure other editors or writers could add to this list. This is based on what I've seen and experienced.
If you wanna add to this thread, pls pls do.
If you wanna add to this thread, pls pls do.
