How to Write a Freelance Pitch That Sells
Featuring our successful query letters!
Ah, pitching. It can be exhausting, nerve-wracking, and oh so time-consuming to get an idea you’re excited about published. We’re here to help demystify the process!
Below, you’ll find four successful pitch emails we sent out that resulted in publication. Any questions about pitching, approaching editors or getting your ideas published, ask away in the comments section!
Pitching an idea tied to your upcoming book
Kirthana: Authors are often called upon to write "off-the-book" pieces, which are articles, essays and op-eds that can be published in media outlets as part of promotion for when your book comes out.
My second novel, Advika and the Hollywood Wives (2023), was inspired by a binge-watch of RHOBH, and the novel has a major character who stars on a Real Housewives-type show. So I knew I definitely wanted to write an article of some kind about the franchise. It was my longtime comfort watch, especially during the pandemic.
As I was brainstorming pitches, I thought about how recent seasons of the Housewives shows were changing in ways I found less enjoyable to watch. I channeled my feelings about this shift into a pitch to Elle.com.
The article is here—you'll notice that my novel is directly referenced in the novel, and the title in the subhead, which is great promo! And here is the pitch letter I wrote:
After the paywall, the full pitch letter; Jennifer’s response to a call for contributions to a Chappell Roan book, Saul’s article about the connection between Ron Burgundy and the politics of Jan. 6, and Thea’s pitch tied to The Office’s 15th anniversary.