The PITCH - Part Trios

Ok, So I sent it. It was beautiful. It was well formatted, which is KEY because editors, are...well EDITORS, and they can appreciate a well formatted letter. EEEEEEEEEE!! I'm soo excited! Cant wait for a reply!! Cant wait Cant wait cant wait!!


For all those interested,

Here is an EXCELLENT resource for how to write a pitch:

http://www.publicityadvisor.com/pitchlettertips.html
http://www.right-writing.com/nationals.html

Here's a sample of what I used:
(just in case my links dont work, or are expired by the time anyone reads this. Dont you hate finding exaclty what you're looking for, only to click a dead link?? )


The following pitch was eventually picked up by a midsized trade publication. Although identifying information has been removed or changed, new writers can use this example query letter to gather hints and tips on the format and elements of the perfect pitch. Directional comments are in green.

Mr. Editors Name
Magazine Title or Publishing Company
Street Address City, ST 77777

Notice that the pitch is directly addressed to a specific editor. This writer has done their homework and researched the publication's editorial staff.

May 13, 2007

Mr. Editor,

In November 2006, Rudolfo Maestro, the son of Mexican immigrant parents, and a teacher within the urban school district of SampleCity, Minnesota, was one of just 50 teachers nationwide to receive the prestigious Sample Educators Award. As I'm sure you may know, the Sample Awards have been called "the Academy Awards of Teaching," and come with a purse of $100,000- no strings attached.
With the mass exodus of many Caucasian, middle class students from urban districts like SampleCity, MN, the honor is quite an achievement for this young, 9- year veteran teacher. Add to that the fact that Mr. Maestro was raised and educated in the very same district where he now teaches, and the human-interest appeal is even greater.

The opening paragraphs grab the editor's attention by relating potential article content, and some possible human interest slants. The noted award shows that the article has a timely current event status for this quarterly trade publication.

I propose a 2,000 word interview with nationally recognized educator Rudolfo Maestro, focusing on the teacher’s role within school districts that are slowly becoming re-segregated. How does this teacher, himself a minority, promote racial harmony and social justice within the “microcosm” of his classroom? What challenges has he faced in his short teaching tenure? What can other educators and social activists learn from his work?

This paragraph demonstrates an excellent sell. The proposal is clear, with sample questions and relevant angles laid out.

Since his award, Mr. Maestro had been interviewed for various publications, including Sample Newspaper, Sample Magazine, and Sample Trade Publication, but he has agreed to grant me an exclusive interview on this particular angle in relation to his award.

The last line above is the key to the question of why the editor should agree to work with this particular writer. It also demonstrates that the writer has done their research and already been in contact with the potential subject.

The personality of this educator is of great magnitude. As an interviewer, I've found him to be gregarious, talkative and very forthcoming. I am positive I can convey this personality into an article, and that other teachers, both minority and otherwise, will be able to take a little piece of his practice from this article.
I could have a rough draft to you within three weeks of acceptance. I anticipate a question and answer format, but am flexible based on Your Magazine's needs.

I also ask that you take a look at my resume, attached. I am an experienced editor, writer and proofreader, with cognate education in Teacher Preparation, making me knowledgeable in this subject field. I am currently working for Sample City's Sample Magazine. My past clips include Sample Clip, Sample Clip and Sample Clip.

This last paragraph is also key, and tells the editor why he should work with this particular writer. New writers can substitute other experiences here, including full time work or volunteer service. What is most important is to tell the editor why you, in particular, can handle this assignment.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Yours in writing,

Author's Name

Address

email

phone number

(credits for this sample go to about.com http://freelancewrite.about.com/od/getpublished/a/samplequery.htm)


Cross your fingers for me!! I just KNOW. I feel it in my bones. This is IT for me!!