Reporters need ideas from you to write their stories. But there is a right way and a wrong way to pitch your story.
Here are a few tips on what not to do. Don’t even think of breaking these rules if you want to get published.
- Don’t assume they have all the time in the world to talk to you. They don’t. They are always busy.
- Don’t assume they want to hear new pitches. Some columnists create their own ideas and don’t want to hear pitches.
- Don’t pitch off topic. Do your homework to know which reporters cover your topic and are a good fit for your story.
- Don’t threaten reporters with pulling your advertising. Reporters don’t care if you advertise with the publication or are best friends with the publisher. They want info their readers care about.
- Don’t interrupt them on deadline. Since you don’t know their deadline, always ask if this is a good time to talk. If it isn’t, ask them when you can call back.
- Don’t run on and on with your story idea. Pause and ask them if they are interested, if they want more info or if they have questions. That shows respect.
- Don’t pitch them the same feature story idea they just wrote about. In most cases, they are done with that story for a while. If you are pitching on a breaking news story, they could be interested in info for a follow-up story.
- Don’t offer an exclusive. You could probably do more harm to yourself than good.
- Don’t be ignorant. Read the reporters recent articles so you know what they right about and can comment on those articles. That shows a great deal of respect and that can open doors for you.
- Don’t be unprepared. Think of the questions reporters will ask and have a ready answer. You want to sound as prepared and professional as possible. Put yourself in the reporter’s shoes and consider the likely questions. If the reporter still asks a question you can’t answer, tell her you’ll get back to her promptly – and then do so.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have a better chance of being quoted.
Dan Janal, author of Reporters Are Looking for YOU!
