5 Pitching Habits Of Highly Effective New Writers

Hi., my Name is Kenny Smith.

In this video , I will give my presentation about:

5 Pitching Habits Of Highly Effective New Writers.

My writing career is still very fresh and fragile.

I have only started sharing my writing with the public.

But to my surprise, fear of unknown replaced my exhilaration

But to my surprise, fear of unknown replaced my exhilaration of allowing me to call myself a writer.

Because I realized that writers not only write but are jacks of all trades.

As a writer, you also need to know how to sell, pitch, market yourself, network, and dance.

The last one is optional but enjoyable.

But what do you do, if on hearing words such as 'publication/ 'pitch,' or 'editor/ you imagine an incredible Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly in 'The Devil Wears Prada?'

Just like with everything else in life, extensive research is the key to success.

And when I consulted the Almighty Google, I found similarities with business writing:

Be polite and genuine.

Be concise and to the point.

Show you understand their challenges.

Highlight what you are going to deliver and when.

Explain what the benefits of hiring you are.

Follow-up, Always..

This allowed me to breathe easier because I demystified the pitching process in my head.

Now I knew that it required no magical rules or rituals.

Instead, I identified 5 simple habits to follow before sending a request to any publication.

1.Know your strengths and talents

How well do vou know yourself?

Do you know what you are good at?

Do you have an area of expertise?

Maybe you've hitchhiked to Machu Picchu on your way to your annual triathlon?

Maybe you've spent the last decade managing people or teaching them how to save lives?

Those unique tidbits of your past make you an expert.

Never neglect those experiences because the chances are they will help you stand out and shine brighter than the rest of us.

Create your personal SWOT analysis with a twist.

Start by jotting down your hobbies, travels, strength and interests.

Then capture all your volunteering and work experiences.

Ask your friends and family about your unique abilities and talents.

It might surprise you to learn a few new things about yourself.

Roy Stevenson mentions in his article: 'Having experience or knowledge in a speciality area gives you an advantage over other writers who might pitch a similar story 一 even if they're more experienced.'

What seems like an obvious fact to you might be a golden nugget of information to your readers.

Use and cultivate it.

You might draw on alternative talents and experiences when approaching a different publication.

Do not be shy to admit your talents to yourself.

2. Do your homework

Reading the publication first is an excellent idea.

First, it might help you understand if you are a good fit for them or not.

There is no point in wasting your and editor's time trying to write for someone you disagree with.

And second, you might not be convincing enough to suit the style of certain giants of the printed word.

Honesty is the best policy.

Be honest with yourself.

Like in business, the key to a winning pitch is knowing as much as possible about those you are trying to impress.

But knowing the publication well enough might also help you draft the pitch email itself.

The more you know, the easier it is for you to craft the answer to win over the editor's attention.

But you might find out that your interests are polar opposite.

Use this opportunity and suggest bringing something different to the table.

No pretending, though, as they will spot the lie unless you are very convincing.

3. Work on the first impression

When drafting an initial pitch email, your window of opportunity is tiny.

In her article, Abbi Perets from Successful Freelance Mom puts it this

You have nanoseconds to interest potential clients in what you have to say before they toss your letter in the trash.

I have borrowed this idea from the Format Team's article.

They suggest creating a clear but strong subject line to make sure your pitch stands out.

It's such simple but powerful advice.

A solid subject line is a battle half won.

Rachel Andrew, Editor-in-Chief of Smashing Magazine, recommends including a few sentences introducing yourself.

It's vital for new writers that are experts in anything that might be of interest for the publication to pursue.

4. Be prepared to be your best

As new writers, we worry a lot: I don't have any bylines; I have no experience; I don't know if my writing is good enough.

But your pitch email is not a place for doubt, fear, and hesitation.

Instead, concentrate your pitch on what you can deliver, and mentioning no shortcomings.

Nikola Banicek, in his article, proposes to treat your pitch as if it is for your most important client.

And even if you don't get accepted this time, you would have learned a valuable lesson.

And don't copy anyone else's pitching email or send something using a blank template

Be original and be yourself.

Use a bit of humour, as Behlor Santi, a freelance journalist, recommends in her article.

It helps to build rapport with the editor and might help to break the ice.

It is always better to fail while being yourself than to fail by being someone you are not.

5. Remember to follow-up.

JD Myall, in her article, favours persistence above anything else:

courtesy and charisma can help improve your results.

Waiting there 'staring at your mailbox is not the best approach.

It's better to follow up with a call or an email.

A follow-up email might also or show that your interest in this publication is genuine.

And if nothing else, it will teach you to be braver and go after your dreams.

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