6 Mistakes to Avoid When Pitching Large Media Publications

There is an audio version below.

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It’s exciting that you can get your content featured in front of millions of people, but it’s not easy. Don’t get me wrong, you can do it, but only if you approach the editors and the publication in the right way. As an editor for The Good Men Project, I see some great pitches and some that have me shaking my head.

Getting exposure through large publications is a killer strategy for building an email list, your business, and creating opportunities. The key is to get in, and that has to be done with some care. Here are six mistakes to avoid when pitching. These mistakes have gotten many a writer rejected.

1. Don’t feel or come off as entitled.

One of the biggest turn-offs for editors is when someone approaches them with an entitled attitude. You may be some super entrepreneur who has done great things—that doesn’t matter or impress an editor. It’s all about the article.

Check your experience at the door and approach an editor from a place of how you want to make a difference on that publication. The credentials are great, but not necessary if you’ve done your homework researching what articles work for that specific publication. Check the tone of your email and DON’T make assumptions.

2. Fix the grammar and formatting.  

This is an easy fix, but one that keeps too many writers from getting accepted. You should submit your final version and that version should be as grammar free as possible. Use an amazing tool like Grammarly to correct most mistakes.

Also, the formatting in your article should be solid. There should be no awkward spacing, one space after the period, your main points and the title of the article should be bolded, but don’t go nuts with bolding throughout the article. If an article looks like it will be too much work, an article will reject it.

3. Don’t come off like a marketer in your article.

Another big turn off for an editor and publication is when someone or the article feels too promotional. You will get your links in the bio and people will click. When you have links that point towards your other content in the initial pitch, it’s an easy NO for an editor. You can use strategic linking but only AFTER you have established yourself in that publication. Also, avoid linking to landing pages. It looks bad, and a landing page is NOT enough information for someone to make a decision to subscribe or not. 

4. Be patient with editors.  

On average, it will take about three weeks before you hear back from an editor. One HUGE mistake many make is sending a follow-up email. It’s SUPER annoying to editors. You just want to check on the status of your article, but to an editor, it comes off as if you’re rushing them. Editors are busy and won’t respond well to someone pressuring them. You don’t want to come off as a high maintenance writer. Give them time and space. Only send follow-up emails when they have first interacted with you. 

5. Follow the guidelines and don’t misspell the editor’s name.

Most—but not all—publications will have a page that lays out what they want and how they want it. Here is an example on Mind Body Green. If they have one of these pages, read it and follow the instructions EXACTLY. When you don’t, you will be rejected. Also, make sure you spell the editor’s name correctly. This may seem simple, but you would be surprised how often this is botched in pitches. 

6. Don’t get complacent.

One danger is getting complacent after you’ve been accepted into a few publications. You feel good because you’ve had success, so you coast while you pitch new publications. One win doesn’t mean all the other pitches will be accepted. Once you get accepted into a few, don’t get complacent by not pitching new ones. You should be in five solid publications to see massive growth. Don’t let rejection keep you from trying and growing.

Between the last post and this one, you have a solid blueprint to pitch any publication you want. The key is to write a great article that works for the publication you’re pitching. You don’t need a connection, and you don’t need to be some decorated expert. Use these tips and get exposure. Leverage that exposure to take your dream to the next level.

Audio version:

What mistakes have you made when pitching a publication or blog?

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Photo: Flickr/ Jonno Witts