By Terreece M. Clarke
There are a variety of things a writer must take into account when making a pitch to a publication. A writer must meet and get to know the publication. So I’m advising writers to take it out on a date.
Make an appointment, clear out the distractions and ask the publication about itself:
- Are you printed often?
- Who’s your audience?
- What’s your tone? Are you authoritative? Cheeky? Friendly?
- How much of you is written by freelancers? Any specific sections?
- What have you talked about in the past year?
- Are there certain topics you just love to have?
- What’s your editorial calendar like?
- How much do you pay?
- Do you offer kill fees?
- What about rights? Are you naughty – taking all rights or do you like first serial North American rights?
- Who edits each section?
After a lovely date in which you two had so much to talk about you should go home and decide if you think there’s a future there. Are you two compatible? Would the publication be interested in what you have to offer? Are you willing to take the next step and make your intentions know through a promise ring (query) in front of the folks (editors)?
Getting a good feel for the publication is one of the most important things a writer can do because editors can tell when a writer is comfortable with its audience. Nothing will sour the relationship more than a pitch that is completely out of sync with the audience and tone. It signals sloppy research and less than noble ideals. It’s like using your ex’s ring to propose to a new love – not cool.
How is the query challenge coming along? What steps have you taken to get started?
Zoe says
December 2, 2008 at 17:47I love the idea of taking the publication on a date! But it’s just what you have to do.. pitching blind is terrible and will get you no where.
Mary says
December 3, 2008 at 17:26Terreece — Very cute slant on a timeless topic.
I look back to my frustration during my first year of writing and realize it wasn’t that my ideas or queries were bad — only that I had not taken the time to properly research a publication (and therefore often sent pitches willy nilly – i.e., tried to force a square peg into a round hole.)
Once I learned to do my research and custom-tailor my pitches to a publication’s specific editorial style and needs, my success rate went up dramatically.
Thanks for this timely tip!
Di Eats the Elephant says
December 17, 2008 at 03:07Terreece – quick question about querying in response to some of the ads for freelancers that you post from craigslist and other places. Should we respond in-the-blind to the email or is there a way we can determine who is searching for the freelancer and how to address the email? I recently put together a query for one and now wonder if I could have done a better job. Thanks for sharing all your fabulous knowledge!
Terreece Clarke says
December 17, 2008 at 15:16Zoe, Mary: Thanks!
Di – With the Craigslist posts it is difficult to find out who is sending the ad unless they chose to disclose it. So my best suggestion would be to pay close attention to the ad and follow the directions carefully. If they want 4 queries don’t send 3, etc. The best thing you could do is tailor your query to the ad specifications as best as possible.
If they do give a company name and they don’t say “No calls please” a quick call or email to get the correct person would be fine but almost unnecessary as the company is reaching out through an ad as opposed to you reaching out to them.