An editor of a startup mens magazine hedged on giving me a ‘yes’ on a piece we discussed…finally he called it a “win-win” situation in that I’d send the article, he’d check how received by readers & give me a contract if all good. Anyhow, he concluded it was a win because I’d be published…he’d have the article.

Never got that contract. I do visit the magazine to read my 900 word article on the women advice page to this day!

A few months later I emailed the same editor with another story pitch and she emailed back to say she loved it and asked if we could arrange a time to discuss it ont he phone. I emailed her and again, never heard back about the story.

At that point I start to wonder if it’s me or an incredibly flaky editor!

As the article was about parenting a ‘tween for a fashion magazine, my daughter was more than enthusiastic to take me out shopping at her favorite stores and telling me what was wrong with the stores I picked. So we had a fun mother-daughter day out and it gave me all the information I needed to get the article done.

Since then, I’ve had a rejection, but I was happy to learn that I’d made it to the top two and per the editor at the meeting when they were selecting the article to go with, I had 5 of the 12 votes in my favor, so that’s not too shabby.

“Hi there (or address the editor by name),

I’m the writer who sent you the pitch on x about two weeks ago, and this is just a friendly follow-up e-mail, to let you know that I am still interested in contributing to (insert blog/publication name here). Then say a brief sales line about the pitch, such as “with the latest developments/information on this subject, I think I’ll be able to deliver something very relevant to your readers.” or “With my expertise/skill covering x, I think your readers will enjoy reading my work.” And maybe say another sales line about your work ethic or research skills, like “I also believe I have the ___________ to really bring the piece to life.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,
(Your name)”

It’s basically a shortened pitch, because a good pitch is, at the very least, a) the idea, b) why its relevant to the readers, and c) why you’re the person to do it. This brief letter should be a friendly way to follow up on your idea, and its appropriate because they told you they would consider it. Now, if it’s a major publication with an editorial calendar that’s planned many months in advance, you might want to wait another week or two. A smaller one, I say go ahead and send a follow-up. You probably know if now or one-to-two weeks later is a better time, based on the tone of their first e-mail to you, so gage and word things carefully to keep the professionalism going (ie: you don’t want to come across desperate to know, even though you might be )

Just my opinion on what you should do. Good luck!

James – Those “been so long I’ve forgotten” gigs are the best. It’s like a long lost aunt sending you a check. Great reminder on following up on a query.

hana – Wow, you and Carrie Bradshaw have that in common – “I’m sorry. I can’t. Don’t hate me.” That’s pretty bad.

My favorite was from Conde’ Nast for Bride magazine. Beautiful heavy linen paper w/matching envelope, great font and so nicely written. They gently let me down like breaking off an engagement. I was thrilled :0) Still have it too1