1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions
“It’s O.K. to follow up on unanswered pitches, but wait a week, not 24 hours.” ~ Kristin Iversen
Getting traditionally published is a dream for many writers. Practicing how to pitch a story is one way of getting closer to seeing a story printed and distributed by one of the big publishing houses.
There are a few typical beginner mistakes that sink a pitch before it can have a chance to take off.
Before continuing: a bad pitch is not the same as a bad story idea.
A full-time editor receives anywhere from a dozen to over 200 pitches per day. That's a lot of words to read, so a good pitch must stand out from the crowd.
Pitches get turned down for a host of reasons. They include: wrong time, wrong publication, the idea isn't fleshed out enough, the editor already has several stories that sound as if they are the same as yours.
Make your pitch float to the top of the pile by:
Know what your story is.
Make your pitch short and concise.
Bring your own story.
Check the archives to ensure your story is unique (enough).
If one pitch was turned down, give the editor a month to recover before sending in the next one.
A fun (and maybe successful) pitch email can look something like this:
Hello!
I saw your call for pitches so I figured I’d toss my hat in the ring. Let me know if my story resonates!
My [short story/novel] by the [title] is about a couple who move in together. What was meant to be smooth and graceful like a dive into a pool turns out to be a combination of the Macarena and "The Floor is Lava."
A little bit about me: I’m a novelist based in Minnesota.
Have you ever wondered what your story is about and how to make it sound exciting to a publisher?
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter! https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Replies to my last For Authors newsletter "Pick Your Favorite Words" that asked Which one of your favorite words will surprise you with a new story?
Blessed Christmouse wrote: Sounds like an interesting way to prompt yourself. As if I needed another one..
Damon Nomad wrote: Clever exercise for writing, excellent newsletter Annete.
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For Authors: December 25, 2024 Issue [#12890]
Know what your story is.
