Hitting Send: Overcoming the Fear of Freelance Writing Pitching

TL;DR:

• Understand the root of your fear of pitching: Understanding what makes pitching intimidating is the first step to overcoming that fear.
• Build confidence with preparation: Learn how to research, practice, and make personal connections that boost your self-confidence when pitching.
• Take action: Remember the acronym SAER and press “send” even if you’re still building your confidence!

Understanding the Fear of Freelance Writing Pitching

The fear of freelance writing pitching is a common obstacle for writers. Whether new to the field or a seasoned pro, the anxiety of putting yourself out there can be paralyzing. This fear often stems from a few specific sources: fear of rejection, imposter syndrome, or simply the discomfort of promoting yourself and your work. The good news is you can overcome these fears. By understanding where the fear is coming from, you can take practical steps to overcome it.

Why Do We Fear Pitching?

There are many reasons a writer could be afraid of pitching, but they can generally be placed in a few buckets:

1. Fear of Rejection: No one likes hearing no, but it’s a big part of freelancing. Rejection can feel personal when you’ve invested time and energy into a pitch. Making this rejection personal often leads to procrastination or avoidance altogether.
2. Imposter Syndrome: Many writers feel inadequate and believe they’re not “good enough” to pitch certain publications or clients. This mindset can stop you from hitting send.
3. Perfectionism: Wanting to craft the “perfect” pitch can delay your efforts, sometimes indefinitely! You may spend too much time refining your pitch email, which never gets sent. Unfortunately, this results in missed opportunities.

Building Confidence Through Preparation

Confidence is the best way to overcome the fear of pitching. Here’s how you can build it:

1. Research Your Target: Before pitching, research the publication. Understand their style, audience, and the type of content they publish. When you tailor your pitch to their audiences, you increase your chance of success.
2. Craft a Strong Pitch: A well-prepared pitch is vital to making a good impression. Clearly outline your idea, explain why it’s a good fit, and briefly mention your qualifications. Get in and get out! Keep it concise and professional.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you pitch, the easier it becomes. Start with smaller publications to build your confidence. As you gain experience, you’ll feel comfortable pitching more prominent outlets.
4. Seek Feedback: If you’re not hearing anything back from editors, ask for feedback from writing peers or mentors. Constructive criticism from working writers and editors can help you improve your pitches and boost your confidence.

SAER: Press “Send” Even if You’re Scared

Even with preparation, pressing “send” can still cause a lump of anxiety to lodge in your throat. Here’s an acronym, SAER, to help you take that final step:

1. Set a Deadline: Give yourself a deadline for sending the pitch. This helps you avoid overthinking and forces you to take action.
2. Adjust Your Perspective: View pitching as an opportunity rather than a risk. Every pitch helps you learn and grow as a writer, whether it’s accepted or rejected.
3. Embrace Rejection: Rejection doesn’t reflect your worth as a writer. It’s a normal part of the process. Each “no” brings you closer to a “yes,” so keep a positive mindset and use rejections as learning experiences.
4. Reward Yourself: After sending a pitch, reward yourself with something minor, like a coffee break or a walk. Positive reinforcement helps reduce the anxiety associated with pitching.

Final Thoughts

The fear of pitching is natural, and all writers experience it. But it’s also something you can overcome with self-awareness, preparation, and action. You build confidence when you understand the root of your fear and recognize that everyone goes through it. Overcoming your fear takes a bit of research and preparation to build your confidence, but you can get there. Remember, every pitch is a step forward in your freelance writing career. So, take a deep breath, hit that send button, and trust your abilities!