You write a pitch letter, send it off, and get nothing.
That ever happened to you? Every freelance writer knows what it’s like.
You crank out queries and letters of introduction to editors and marketing managers.
You try some heavy-lifting techniques to engage prospects and land assignments.
You even flex your writing muscles and try different approaches to crafting pitch letters.
You hustle.
That’s exactly what you should be doing. But your pitch has to be strong enough to get noticed.
If your pitch letter is weak, it’s gonna feel a lot like working out at the gym, even though you’re not really sure if what you’re doing is working.
And that’s not what you want. You want to connect with prospects, land assignments, and make a living writing. Right?
If you’re not getting the results you want when you send a pitch letter, it’s time to get some help.
Ready to buff up your pitch letter? Here’s a chance for a free review:
Prepare for a pitch letter workout
I’ve been writing for a living for 20 years (newspaper reporter, editor, copywriter, blog editor, full-time freelancer).
But it’s not the only thing I do. When I’m not on a writing deadline, or chasing my three kids around, I:
- Lift weights
- Run a ton of miles
- Eat healthy
- Help people lose weight, build muscle and get in shape as a personal trainer
Do it long enough, and similar problems start to appear that can easily be corrected with a little tweak, modification, or this-is-how-you-do-a-deadlift demonstration.
It’s actually a lot like helping writers improve pitch letters and queries inside the Freelance Writers Den.
Pitch letter problems that show up frequently include:
- Weak lede or introduction
- Stiff and formal writing style
- The-world-revolves-around-me approach
- Novel-length query or LOI
- Lack of focus or failure to provide ideas
Don’t worry if you’ve made these mistakes. We’ve all been there. With a little help, I’m confident you can make your pitch letter stronger.
Want to get your pitch letter in better shape?
From now through Tuesday, May 14, I’ll review your pitch letter for free in the comments section below and provide feedback and suggestions to help you. But you’ll need to follow a few rules:
- Study the basics of writing an LOI or query letter
- Submit your pitch (letter of introduction or query letter) in the comment section below. (Do not include links.)
- Identify a specific publication or business you’re pitching. (I won’t review generic templates.)
- Ask any specific questions you have about improving your pitch letter.
If you want to write better pitch letters, you have to work at it. It might be hard at first. But with a little help, you can improve, boost your response rate, and start landing more client work. Let’s do this.
Want a free pitch letter review? Post it in the comment section below.
Evan Jensen is the blog editor for Make a Living Writing. When he’s not on a writing deadline or catching up on emails, he’s training to run another 100-mile ultra-marathon.
