Writing guide
How to write a magazine pitch
The structure, subject line and clips that get a publication to say yes.
A pitch is a short letter that sells an idea before you write it. The single biggest mistake is pitching a vague topic; the second is not saying why it fits the publication.
Know the publication first. Read three or four recent pieces. Note the length, the tone, whether they use personal essays or reported features, and what they explicitly do not publish.
Choose a specific idea, not a topic. “An essay about my mother” is a topic. “An essay about the one phrase my mother said that I have never been able to hear the same way again” is an idea.
Write a subject line that names the idea. Editors skim. Make the line say what the piece is.
Introduce yourself in one or two lines. Who you are, where you have published, and a reason to trust you with this idea.
State the angle and the structure. In a short paragraph: the argument or story, how it develops, and a rough word count. Give them a reason to say yes.
Show that you fit. Explain briefly why this is the right publication for this piece.
Attach two or three clips. Links are fine; a couple of strong, relevant pieces beat a long list.
Close professionally. Thank them, say you are happy to adjust, and send through the official channel.