Working with Editors Part I: The Pitch (with templates for members)

Pitching to an editor is more than just selling an idea—it's about building a relationship that sets the foundation for successful collaboration.

Whether you're pitching to a publication, proposing to a client, or seeking an editor for your self-publishing project, how you pitch matters. It's no longer as simple as saying, "Here's my idea." Each path to working with an editor demands its own strategy.

Your pitch is more than an idea—it's the start of what will hopefully become a strong and mutually beneficial working relationship. How you present it sets the tone for everything that follows, so it’s crucial to get it right from the beginning.

(Writers’ Den community members – you’ll find several pitch examples for different types of pieces and publications at the end of this article. Feel free to use whatever you need as a template you can modify for your next pitch.)

Understanding the Editor’s Role

Editors aren’t gatekeepers—they’re collaborators. Their job isn’t just to approve or reject your work; it’s to help shape it into the best possible version of itself.

Editors wear many hats, and your reason for working with one can vary widely. You might be pitching a story to a magazine, collaborating on a content piece for a client, or searching for the right editor to polish your self-published book.

Each of these scenarios requires a slightly different approach. For example, pitching to a publication is about selling a single idea, while working with an editor on a self-published project is often about shaping an entire manuscript.

Depending on where you are in your writing process, you may encounter several different types of editors, too. If you’re writing a book, you might begin with a developmental editor to shape your manuscript, then move on to a copy editor once the structure is solid.

For shorter pieces, like articles or blog posts, you may jump straight to line editing or copyediting, depending on how polished your draft is.

Chantel Hamilton explains the differences between developmental editors, substantive editors, copy editors, and proofreaders in this guide at JaneFriedman.com.

Recommended reading:

Where Do You Find Quality Writing Gigs & Contracts?

Being clear about the level of editing you need, and understanding the editor’s role in the process, helps avoid confusion and ensures that both you and the editor are “on the same page.” This saves time and ensures a smoother working relationship.

The Pitch as the Foundation for a Successful Working Relationship

In client work, you may need to pitch a concept that aligns with a brand’s voice and focuses on its specific goals. Each context has its own set of expectations, but the common thread is this: a strong pitch is the cornerstone of the relationship.

The pitch isn’t just about landing a project—it’s your first impression on an editor. It sets the tone for how you’ll work together.

Crafting your pitch isn’t something you’ll do once and use throughout your career, as there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all pitch. The more you tailor your pitch to the editor’s specific needs and expectations, the better your chances of success.

Recommended reading:

So You Wrote a Thing... Who Cares?

Start by researching the editor or the publication you’re pitching to. Does the publication focus on in-depth features or prefer quick, digestible articles? What topics are trending in their content? What’s the editor’s specialty for self-publishing—fiction, memoirs, business books?

Being familiar with their style shows you’ve done your homework. You’re not just sending out a generic idea—you’re offering something that fits their needs. This makes you a much more appealing collaborator.

Some editors prefer pitches through specific submission forms or platforms (like Submittable). Using these tools, when mentioned in their guidelines, shows you’re serious about following their process.

Tips for Pitching an Editor

• Do your homework: Research the editor’s work, the publication’s tone, or the client’s brand. Make sure your pitch aligns with their style and the kind of content they typically produce.

• Personalize your pitch: Even if you’re cold pitching (to an editor who doesn’t know you), avoid making it feel like a form letter. Address the editor by name and reference something specific about their publication, recent articles, or projects they’ve worked on. This shows you’ve done your research and aren’t just mass-emailing editors.

• Briefly introduce yourself: If you’re a new voice, give a short, relevant bio. Mention any notable work or publications, but don’t overdo it. Let your pitch do most of the talking.

• Be specific about your project: Explain what you're pitching—a feature article, a manuscript, or branded content. Provide context for the project’s scope and goals so the editor knows exactly what you’re proposing. For email pitches, the subject line should get straight to the point. Editors receive tons of emails daily, so something like, “Exclusive: Feature on Emerging AI in Healthcare” can grab attention better than a vague subject line like, “Article Idea” or “Story Pitch.” The more specific and relevant your subject line, the better your chances of standing out.

• Sell yourself as author. You’re not only trying to convince the editor that the idea is a good once, but that you are the person to write this. Make it easy for editors to review your work by including hyperlinks to your portfolio or published clips. Don’t attach large files, as they can clutter inboxes and may be ignored.

• Know the audience: Demonstrate an understanding of the publication’s or brand’s audience. Reference topics or trends that resonate with them, and show how your piece fits within that framework. If you’re targeting a podcast or multimedia outlet, you may need to tweak your approach to highlight how your story works in an audio or visual format.

• Lead with a strong hook: Your pitch should grab attention quickly. Present a compelling hook or unique angle right away, giving the editor a reason to invest time in your idea.

• Keep it concise: Editors are busy. Cold pitches should be especially concise. Get to the point quickly—avoid unnecessary details and focus on the essentials that make your pitch stand out.

• Explain why it’s relevant now: Show why your idea is timely and relevant, whether it taps into a current trend or fills a gap in their existing content.

• Highlight your expertise: If applicable, briefly mention any relevant qualifications or experience to build credibility and reassure the editor you can handle the topic.

Recommended reading:

Will People Actually Pay for My Writing?

Avoid These Pitching Mistakes

Just as importantly, there are things you’ll want to avoid. These can land your pitch in the junk pile.

• Don’t send generic pitches: Avoid sending the same pitch to multiple editors without tailoring it to their specific needs. A cookie-cutter approach signals laziness and lack of professionalism. You’d be surprised how small some publishing circles are, especially in niche topics and specializations.

• Don’t be vague about your idea: Pitches that are unclear or lack focus will be dismissed quickly. Don’t leave the editor guessing about what you’re trying to say or achieve.

• Don’t overpromise: Be realistic about what you can deliver. Overpromising only sets you up for failure and can damage your relationship with the editor in the long run.

• Don’t send a full draft: Editors generally want to see a concise pitch, not a completed article or manuscript. Sending too much too soon can overwhelm them and backfire.

• Don’t be defensive about feedback: Once you send a pitch, be open to suggestions. Editors may ask for changes or revisions, and pushing back too hard can sour the relationship.

• Don’t ignore submission guidelines: If an editor or publication has guidelines, follow them to the letter. Ignoring these makes it easy for your pitch to get tossed out.

• Don’t be long-winded: Pitches should be short and concise. Don’t include unnecessary details or ramble on. Respect the editor’s time.

We’ve talked about what your pitch should consist of and who it’s for. Now let’s ensure you send it when editors will be most receptive.

Understanding the editorial calendar is crucial for pitching to publications. Many magazines and larger outlets plan their content months in advance, especially for seasonal or themed issues. If you pitch to these publications, you must think ahead—timing is everything.

For example, holiday features may need to be pitched as early as summer. On the other hand, some digital publications or news outlets operate on shorter timelines, taking last-minute submissions when the topic is timely or breaking.

Before pitching, research the outlet’s editorial schedule or submission windows to ensure your pitch aligns with their planning cycle. Many are published online (hint: use Google’s site search by querying [site:publicationnamehere.com editorial calendar] to see if the one you seek exists online.

In the end, a strong pitch is only part of the equation. Knowing when to follow up is just as important.

If you haven’t heard back after 1-2 weeks, a polite, professional follow-up can help bring your idea back into focus for an editor who may have been swamped. However, be mindful not to follow up too frequently or aggressively, as this can damage your chances of building a good working relationship.

A well-timed nudge can show you’re serious about your work without being pushy. Keep refining your approach, and remember that a successful pitch is about the right content, approach, and timing.

If your pitch is rejected, don’t take it personally. Thank the editor for their time, and consider asking for feedback, if appropriate. Not every rejection is the end—sometimes editors may revisit your idea later or reach out for future projects. You can learn a lot from a rejection if the editor shares their reasoning. Keep a positive, professional tone to maintain the relationship.

Next in our Working with Editors series, we’ll discuss how to kick your engagement off on the right foot and build a foundation of trust with your editor.

P.S. Writers’ Den Community members, here are your sample pitches!