Apr 8, 2010
Learn how to pitch freelance writers
Here’s the first of a series where I tackle journalists on the street and make them tell me what they want. Want to know how to pitch a freelancer? Elizabeth Millard writes about business and technology for a range of publications. I stopped her on a busy street last week and amid planes, trains and automobiles (ok maybe not trains but it sounds like it) asked her some questions about how she likes to be pitched, what stories she likes and her BIGGEST pet peeves. Elizabeth is based in the Twin Cities, but her advice will hit home in any market, local or national. I encourage you to watch the video for all of Elizabeth’s tips - including the phrase that makes her delete your email from her address book forever.
But for those of you too busy to watch, here are the main highlights:
- A pitch gets her attention if the writing is really good in the pitch, even more so if it makes her laugh
- Don’t use marketing speak in your pitches ever
- If a freelancer tells you “no” don’t be relentless in trying to change his or her mind
- Only pitch product stories to writers who specifically write about product news
- Do favors for freelancers – help them find sources even if its not for one of your clients or for your business. They’ll pay you back in the long run!
business outsourcing said:
Thank you for such great information.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Paul Davidson said:
There are some valuable tips there. Especially the one about good writing and making her laugh. I think that using correct grammar, combined with a sense of humour, is very important.
April 11th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
waxmarketing said:
I think people agonize so much over pitches they send they tend to get too formal. Really just the facts plus a bit of a human touch, whether it’s humor or just a friendly “hope you’re doing well” goes a long way
April 11th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
FirstFound Andy said:
I’ll have to agree there. Over-formality isn’t the best way to start what is (hopefully) going to be a long and productive relationship.
Connecting on a human level really helps smooth the way.
April 12th, 2010 at 5:35 am
Nutrition Degree said:
I really support the recommendation to stop pestering after the first no. It really sours the relationship to hound someone and your reputation can suffer as a consequence. Like the others said previously, a human touch does go a long way and it shows you can work and be effective even without a script.
April 13th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
waxmarketing said:
I also have found that when I wish them luck with the article or story post-rejection, or offer to help find sources, it goes a long way toward getting to a ‘yes’ the next time.
April 13th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Watch the losers said:
Thanks! Not often that people include a video example like that. I think one very important thing you said is to back off if they tell you “no”. Best to be cheerful and just say thanks anyways.
April 14th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Opportunities Planet said:
Nice interview, I needed a freelancer to outsourse some of my activities but I didn’t know how to choose and aproach a freelancer and found Elizabeth’s words useful!
April 15th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Truck Leasing | Semi Truck Financing said:
This is a great article. Due to article writing I need to sometimes do for my business, this is extremely helpful. Sometimes you just need an outsider that can take your ideas and make them clearer for you instead of writing it yourself.
April 17th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
iphone case said:
There are some valuable tips there.Thanks!
April 18th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Haftpflichversicherung Pferd said:
I experienced that too. I am subscribed to alot of these “make money online” newsletters. Once in a while there mails are so full of **** that I just unsubscribe instantly. It’s like these marketing gurus have no clue about email marketing whatsover.
Thanks for the very interesting insights!
April 19th, 2010 at 7:14 am
how to pitch tv talk shows | Wax Blog said:
[...] the success of my last blog post on pitching freelance writers I decided to start a weekly feature called “How to Pitch”. I’d like to encourage [...]
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:13 am
Gewinne Million said:
Advantageously, the post is actually the greatest on this notable topic. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates. Just saying thanks will not just be adequate, for the great lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Solid work and much success in your business enterprize!
May 10th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Internet Marketing said:
Amazing interview.. I am sure a lot of freelance writers will benefit from this piece.
May 31st, 2010 at 6:07 am
How to pitch HARO and ProfNet | Wax Blog said:
[...] product, service or expertise with fancy words or oblique phrases. (Remember when we interviewed Elizabeth Millard and how much she hates the ‘thought leader’ [...]
June 3rd, 2010 at 8:46 am
3eer said:
the post is actually the greatest on this notable topic.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:19 am
Lucy | Lookup tool said:
Very great information, the video is very intructive, i will follow your tips to find a freelancer writer soon.
August 14th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
iphone repair said:
how a incredible bit of technology. some friends may not always seem to comprehend this. but in the spanish language it almost always forms.
October 10th, 2010 at 12:56 am
Arragon said:
It will be very useful to watch the video of Elizabeth’s tips.. thanks for your recommendation…
November 9th, 2010 at 4:13 am
hd digital media player said:
I read about a freelancer’s account on how she found the best employer she has for a year & a half now. She applied on his job post, was declined because the employer told her in an email that if he found an earlier candidate who also had her qualifications. The freelancer thanked the employer and told him to keep her on mind on his next projects. True enough, he hired her and got very satisfied with her work and continued to give her related projects. This story reminded me when I read about giving freelancers little favors on this blog post (like giving them a short but apologetic rejection emails when you feel they really are qualified for the job but you have already hired another). They will surely pay you back in the long run! Little favors beget big favors.
November 20th, 2010 at 7:50 am
Trade Show Booths said:
Yes, the final point in your tips is accurate. Journalism and writing is a give and take if we want to represent facts rather than fiction.
February 16th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
Joline Sel said:
The tips you’ve mentioned in the video are indeed convincing. I wonder what will happen if a freelance writers will know about this.
April 5th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Katie Smith said:
the tips you have provided are very useful , thanks for this useful information.
Katie Smith
My blog: Andrew Marc Leather Jackets
April 6th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Katie Smith said:
“Do favors for freelancers – help them find sources even if its not for one of your clients or for your business”
Creating connections will help you in the long run not only in the personal aspect but also in your career. Especially for writers who should be trustworthy and is able to connect to different kinds of people to get the news or topics that they needed.
Katie Smith
My Blog: iContact Coupon Codes
April 6th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Pam White said:
I find this phrase, “If a freelancer tells you “no” don’t be relentless in trying to change his or her mind” useful, thanks for this.
Pam White
My last blog Kate Winslet’s Portrait on Auction
April 7th, 2011 at 5:48 am
Taylor Timms said:
Thanks so much for making this information public. I actually need some freelancers to help with my next book.
April 8th, 2011 at 12:59 am
Paula Hopkins said:
The tips were helpful to get pitched. However, it’s still a matter of how you effectively sell yourself based on the expectations of the client/s. You cater to different clients so different approaches should also be implemented. After all, one’s strategy may not be applicable to another.
Paula’s Last Post: Genuine Gift
April 8th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Rachel said:
The last tip is always useful…if you can’t get something immediately, take it by time, it’ll a huge return if you can get a very good freelance writer to work with you…veteran review writers are easy to worked with and most of the time they already have a good review in hand even before you mentioned the product.
April 10th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Anne Cole said:
Not only the last but all the tips are useful in different situations. In pitching, the communication used it different. Marketing style of communication is not applicable here.
Anne’s blog: Anne Cole Swimsuits
April 11th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Max Williams said:
The tips are really nice.
For a freelancer writer, its not just about plain text content but a bit of sense & humour has to be incculcated to make a unique content.
Max’s last post: Max Workouts Review
April 12th, 2011 at 2:35 am
Trust Deed said:
All excellent tips i will be using from now on. I think it is too easy to try and push a product and forget about who it is that your trying to understand it. It seems a tailored pitching style works best
June 1st, 2011 at 6:40 am
iPhone Repair said:
Ohh great piece of work thanks
August 9th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
California Free mls said:
Too much formality really can create an uncomfortable work relation specially if its a long term job. Also, when compared between freelancers and professional, I find freelancer more result oriented. Its so true, some freelancers do repay us back.
October 18th, 2011 at 10:32 am
Celebrity Gossips Online said:
Celebrity Gossips Online…
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November 7th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Laure Deaderick said:
I do consider all the ideas you’ve presented to your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too quick for beginners. May you please prolong them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
March 27th, 2012 at 6:40 am