You have a great story idea. You've done your research, interviews, and writing. Now you want to get it published in a reputable outlet. How can you make sure editors take notice of your pitch and give you a chance to showcase your work? Here are some tips from experienced journalists and editors on how to stand out from the crowd and get your story published.
Before you send your pitch, do some homework on the outlet you want to write for. Read their stories, check their style and tone, and identify their audience and niche. What kind of stories do they publish? What are their values and goals? How do they differ from their competitors? Knowing your target will help you tailor your pitch to their needs and interests, and show that you understand their vision and mission.
1. Ensure your story is captivating from the first two or three chapters. Editors usually sample the first few chapters to determine if the story is worth reading to the end. 2. Ensure you have no typographical or grammatical errors in your story. Such errors discourage the editor from reading through and make you look not serious. 3. Find out the type of stories published by the publishing house you submit your manuscript to. If your story does not conform to their editorial policy, then it is likely to be ignored.
A writer should be clear with the story pitch. They should be able to answer the question- Why? Why this particular story will make an interesting read for readers? Why is the particular story important? What is the angle of the story- is it business, human interest or factual reportage? Whom will this story benefit? Most importantly how long will it take to file the story and who all will be participating? The writers pitch should answer the above questions to grab editors attention.
One of the first things in a story would be the headline. Hence, before submitting, it would be beneficial to look at the type of headlines the Editor prefers by checking other articles on the company's website/paper. This will help you understand how you can frame your headline. Apart from the headline, it's always good to study the organization you are sending an article to because you can learn a lot and implement it. Next, it would be crucial for the writer's article to be filled with relevant information. Along with relevant information, proper construction of sentences and usage of punctuation are important as well. Another key factor would be to ensure the story maintains its flow.
Do your homework on the publication and the editor. What's their angle? What kind of stories do they usually go for? Make sure your piece fits like a glove – in style, audience, and themes. It's not just a great story; it's the right story for them. Personalise your pitch to show them you're not just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. When you align your story with their beat and get to know the newsdesk team, you're not just another email in their inbox – you're the story they've been waiting for.
Lo que escribes... ?es relevante para tu audiencia? Aquí hay que separar los objetivos SEO del medio y la relevancia para el sector a quien se dirige el medio. Hay que ser muy fino y tener la estrategia de la empresa clara para identificar al público que nos dirigimos y saber qué les interesa.
Your subject line is the first thing editors will see when they open your email. It's your chance to grab their attention and make them curious about your story. A good subject line should be clear, concise, and compelling. It should summarize your story idea in a few words, and highlight its relevance, timeliness, and uniqueness. Avoid vague, generic, or misleading subject lines that might get ignored or deleted. Instead, use specific, concrete, and catchy words that will make editors want to read more.
En mi experiencia el título, la descripción (bajada) y primer párrafo es lo más relevante. Desafortunadamente, el público está leyendo menos y si en estos tres aspectos no los captas, lo más probable es que el editor te pida cambiar el enfoque de la nota.
Your pitch is your opportunity to sell your story idea to editors. It should be brief, clear, and convincing. It should explain what your story is about, why it matters, and how you plan to tell it. It should also showcase your writing skills, your credibility, and your passion. A good pitch should answer these questions: What is your main point or angle? Why is it important or interesting? How is it different or original? Who are your sources or characters? How will you structure your story? What are your qualifications or credentials?
Más que persuasivo, creo que conciso. Directo, claro y que informe. Los titulares "estas son... " pero no dicen qué es lo que son tienden a ser menos atractivos. Eso no quiere decir que sean malos, pero como dije, se debe tener claro la estrategia general de la empresa y si el SEO es un condicional. Esto último creería que debería ser flexible.
After you send your pitch, don't just sit and wait. Follow up with editors to show that you're serious and eager to work with them. But don't be pushy or annoying. Wait for a reasonable amount of time before sending a reminder or a query. Be polite and respectful, and don't take rejection personally. Editors receive hundreds of pitches every day, and they can't accept or respond to all of them. If they say no, thank them for their time and feedback, and move on to the next outlet. If they say yes, congratulate yourself and get ready to deliver your best work.
Getting your story published is not the end of the process. It's the beginning of a relationship with editors and outlets. You want to establish yourself as a reliable, professional, and talented journalist who can deliver quality stories on time and on budget. You also want to maintain contact with editors and keep them updated on your progress and challenges. You want to thank them for their guidance and support, and ask them for feedback and suggestions. You want to show them that you're not just a one-time contributor, but a long-term partner.
One of the best ways to get your story published is to network and learn from other journalists and editors. You can join online communities, forums, and groups where you can share your work, ask for advice, and get referrals. You can attend events, workshops, and conferences where you can meet and mingle with industry professionals and experts. You can read blogs, newsletters, and books where you can learn new skills, trends, and best practices. Networking and learning will help you improve your craft, expand your network, and increase your chances of getting your story published.