13.2 Pitching stories and freelance writing strategies

Pitching stories and freelancing require strategic thinking and strong communication skills. Crafting compelling pitches, understanding target markets, and negotiating fair rates are essential for success in this competitive field.

Freelancers must stay organized, meet deadlines, and maintain professional relationships with clients. Effective project management and clear communication are key to building a sustainable freelance writing career.

Compelling Story Pitches

Crafting a Strong Pitch

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Top images from around the web for Crafting a Strong Pitch

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• A story pitch is a concise, persuasive summary of a story idea sent to an editor in hopes of getting the green light to write the story
  • It should grab the editor's attention and make them want to know more
• Key components of a strong pitch include:
  • An attention-grabbing headline
  • A compelling lede or hook
  • A brief synopsis of the story angle and key points to be covered
  • Proposed word count and deadline
  • Writer's relevant qualifications or experience with the topic (previous publications on similar topics)

Customizing Pitches for Publications

• Pitches should be carefully customized for the specific publication, demonstrating an understanding of their:
  • Audience (demographics, interests)
  • Tone and style (formal, casual, academic)
  • Previously published content (recent topics, common themes)
• Referencing these details shows the editor you've done your homework
• The story angle and hook should present a unique perspective, counterintuitive insight, or new information that would be of high interest and value to that publication's specific readership (a health breakthrough for a wellness magazine)
• Pitches should follow the publication's preferred submission method - usually email
  • Keep pitches concise, ideally under 500 words
  • Include links to relevant clips or a portfolio that demonstrates your writing abilities (links to published articles on the topic)

Markets for Freelance Writing

Conducting Market Research

• Conduct market research to identify publications, websites, companies and organizations that use freelance writers and publish content relevant to your areas of expertise or interest
• Study the publication's masthead to identify appropriate editors to pitch
  • Mastheads are often found on the publication's website under "About Us" or in the front pages of print editions
• Read the publication's writer's guidelines if available
  • These outline preferred topics, story angles, style, tone, word counts, submission processes, and pay rates
  • Following their guidelines exactly will increase odds of acceptance

Analyzing Target Audiences

• Analyze the publication's target audience and identify their:
  • Key demographics (age, gender, location)
  • Psychographics (values, attitudes, interests)
  • Needs and problems (health concerns, financial goals)
• Look for opportunities to pitch stories that would appeal to their readership
• Review the last 6-12 months of the publication's archives to understand what topics and angles they tend to cover
  • Identify any gaps that could be an opportunity for a pitch
  • Avoid pitching topics they've recently covered extensively
• Follow editors for your target publications on social media
  • Many will tweet or post when they are actively seeking pitches on certain topics
  • Pitching a timely, relevant idea increases likelihood of acceptance (an editor seeking hurricane recovery stories after a recent storm)

Negotiating Rates and Contracts

Calculating Fair Rates

• As a freelancer, you are running a business. Negotiate rates and contract terms that account for your time, effort, expenses, and the value you provide, ensuring the project will be profitable for you
• Calculate your minimum acceptable rate based on the time and effort the project will require. Factor in:
  • Research
  • Interviews
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Revisions
  • Administrative tasks (invoicing, filing taxes)
• Research market rates for the type of project and publication to ensure your rate is competitive yet fair
  • The Writer's Market publication and freelancewriting.com provide rate guidance
• Establish your rate before agreeing to take on the assignment
  • Be prepared to walk away if the rate does not meet your minimum
  • Accepting low-paying work can set a precedent and make it harder to raise your rates later

Establishing Contract Terms

• Discuss kill fees in case the editor decides not to run the story through no fault of your own
  • Standard kill fees are 25-50% of agreed rate
  • You should still be compensated for your time and effort
• Agree on payment terms, including invoice procedures and payment due date
  • Industry standard is payment on acceptance, within 30 days of invoice
  • Consider charging late fees or stopping work if a client is chronically late
• Clarify who will own the rights to the work
  • In most cases, publications compensate for First North American Serial Rights and sometimes online rights for a limited period, after which the rights revert to the writer

Managing Freelance Projects

Staying Organized

• Create a system for tracking pitches, assignments, and due dates
  • Use a spreadsheet, calendar app, or project management software (Trello, Asana) to stay organized and avoid missed deadlines
• Break larger projects into smaller milestones with interim deadlines
  • This helps avoid procrastination and ensures steady progress is being made on longer-term assignments
• Block out non-negotiable work time in your schedule to ensure you can give assignments the time and focus they require
  • Treat these blocks as seriously as you would any other important meeting or commitment

Meeting Deadlines and Communicating with Clients

• Give clients realistic deadlines that you are confident you can meet or beat, factoring in time for:
  • Research
  • Writing
  • Revisions
  • Unexpected delays
• Don't make promises you can't keep
• Communicate proactively with clients if you anticipate a delay or need additional information/resources to complete the assignment
  • Most editors appreciate proactive communication versus a missed deadline with no warning
• If you must miss a deadline due to a genuine emergency, notify the editor as soon as possible and provide a realistic date by which you will submit the work
  • Take full responsibility and don't make excuses
• Invoice for your work promptly upon completion, and track when payment is due
  • Follow up promptly with a polite reminder if payment is late
  • Maintaining positive cash flow is crucial as a freelancer