7 Freelance Pitching Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

TL;DR:

• The seven most common freelance pitching mistakes are easy to fix.
• There are tangible strategies to improve your pitches and increase acceptance rates.
• Avoiding these mistakes helps you build better relationships with editors.

Freelance writing is a competitive field, and it can be challenging to write an article pitch that stands out. Even the most talented writers sometimes need help fixing the most common freelance pitching mistakes. After nearly a decade of editing newspapers and magazines, and assigning many articles to freelance writers, it became clear which pitches would likely lead to quality content, and which probably wouldn’t. Many of the same pitching mistakes would come in week after week. Understanding these common pitfalls and knowing how to avoid them can significantly boost your chances of success.

Freelance Pitching Mistakes #1. Being Too Vague

The Mistake:

One of the most significant errors is pitching a vague idea. Editors don’t have the time or inclination to interpret unclear pitches. A pitch that rambles, or that doesn’t clearly outline the idea, will probably be ignored.

How to Avoid It:

Be precise. Clearly outline the main idea of your article, the angle you plan to take, and why it’s relevant to the publication’s audience. Provide a brief but detailed explanation of the article’s cover, including potential sources or data you plan to use.

Example:

Instead of pitching “An article on the impact of remote work,” be specific. Flesh out the idea enough to show which direction you’ll take the story. For example, “The article will be an in-depth look at how remote work is driving economic growth in small towns, supported by interviews with local business owners and recent migration data.”

#2. Ignoring the Publication’s Audience

The Mistake:

Pitching an idea without considering the publication’s target audience is one of the most common mistakes. Why would a publication’s readers engage with an article that doesn’t fit their interests? Engagement is one of the top metrics editors and publishers examine, so the idea needs to connect with their audience.

How to Avoid It:

Research the publication thoroughly before pitching. Read several articles to understand the tone, style, and topics that resonate with their audience. Tailor your pitch to fit the publication’s content and show that you understand what their readers are looking for.

Tip:

Demonstrate your pitch is a good fit. Use phrases like “I noticed your readers are interested in…” or “Based on your recent coverage of [Topic], I believe your audience would enjoy….”

#3. Overloading with Information

The Mistake:

Providing some detail is important, but overwhelming an editor with too much information is just as bad as being vague. Long, overly complex pitches will quickly lose an editor’s interest.

How to Avoid It:

Keep your pitch concise and to the point. Focus on the core idea and why it’s compelling. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make your pitch easy to skim. If an editor is interested, they’ll follow up for more details.

Tip:

Aim to keep your pitch between 150 and 250 words. This length is sufficient to convey your idea without overwhelming the reader.

#4. Failing to Follow Submission Guidelines

The Mistake:

Ignoring a publication’s submission guidelines is a surefire way to have your pitch rejected. Guidelines often include specific instructions on how to pitch, what information to include, and even the preferred subject line format.

How to Avoid It:

Always check the publication’s submission guidelines before pitching. Follow them to the letter, whether it’s formatting, word count, or required information. Demonstrating that you can follow instructions shows you’re professional and attentive to detail.

Example:

If the guidelines ask for one article idea per email, don’t send three. If they request specific subject line formatting, make sure you follow the instructions.

#5. Not Personalizing Your Pitch

The Mistake:

Sending a generic, one-size-fits-all pitch to multiple editors is a mistake that can cost you opportunities. Editors get multiple pitches per day, and they can easily spot a mass email. It signals that you’re not customizing your work to fit your audience, and you may deliver generic, uninteresting writing.

How to Avoid It:

Personalize each pitch by addressing the editor by name and referencing the publication’s recent articles or content. Tailor your pitch to fit the specific tone and style of the publication.

Example:

“Hi [Editor’s Name], I loved your recent piece on eco-friendly travel tips. I have a pitch that could complement that theme by exploring sustainable accommodation options in lesser-known destinations…”

#6. Not Showcasing Your Expertise

The Mistake:

Some freelancers forget to explain why they’re the best person to write the article. If an editor isn’t convinced that you have the right expertise or experience, they may pass on your pitch. You can make up for a lack of knowledge by securing an experienced expert interview, but make it clear you can deliver a well-researched, accurate article.

How to Avoid It:

Include a brief bio or mention relevant experience that makes you uniquely qualified to write the piece. Link to your portfolio or past work to provide evidence of your skills and knowledge.

Example:

“As a travel writer with five years of experience covering sustainable tourism, I’ve been published in [Publication Name] and [Publication Name]. Here’s a link to my recent article on eco-friendly travel trends: [Link].”

#7. Skipping the Follow-Up

The Mistake:

Some freelancers feel uncomfortable following up after sending a pitch. But editors are busy, and freelance pitches sometimes get buried in their inboxes. A managing editor can get upwards of 200 emails a day depending on the size of a publication. High-level editors sometimes manage two, three, four or more publications at one time. So, sometimes great ideas fall through the cracks.

How to Avoid It:

If you haven’t heard back within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email. Keep it brief and respectful, and reiterate your interest in writing for the publication.

Example:

“Hi [Editor’s Name], I wanted to follow up on my pitch from last week regarding [Topic]. I’m excited about the idea, and I think it’ll resonate with your readers. I’d love to discuss it further if it fits your editorial calendar.”

Final Thoughts

Pitching is a critical skill for freelance writers, but these common mistakes can tank your success rate. Be clear, concise, and thoughtful in your approach, and you’ll improve your chances of success. Avoiding these common mistakes can raise your acceptance rate and help you build ongoing relationships with editors. Remember, every pitch is a learning opportunity, so take the time to refine your process and learn from each experience.