How Do You Handle Unanswered Pitches?
by Joanne Flynn Black

As a freelance writer, I send pitches of article ideas to editors every week.

But first I read through the magazine/newspaper/website to get a feel of their voice, research which areas accept stories from freelancers, and send a targeted pitch to the editor of that section.

Some weeks these range from Rolling Stone to salon.com to AARP Magazine.

Over the course of a two week period, I go through the “Six Stages of Waiting for an Editor.”

Stage 1 – Did the editor receive my pitch?
Stage 2 – Have they read it?
Stage 3 – Will they want me to write the article?
Stage 4 – Did it wind up in the slush pile?
Stage 5 – Are they just going to ignore me?
Stage 6 – Would they at least respond either way so I can send elsewhere?

After two weeks I send a follow-up email.

I change the tone slightly depending on how formal the magazine is, but it usually reads something like this:

Dear MaryAnn,

I’m checking in to see if you received my pitch on Dragon Boat Racing and if you had any interest in this article idea.

I know you are super busy but it would be great to know either way.

Thanks,
Joanne

Sometimes, I’ll get a response with “not at this time” or “not right for us” or “good luck placing it elsewhere.” Once in a while the editor writes back and assigns the story to me. But most go unanswered.

If I don’t hear back one week after the follow-up I revise the pitch and send elsewhere.

Would love to hear your comments on how you handle unanswered pitches.

Thanks!

Joanne Flynn Black left corporate America to take a backpacking trip ’round the world. Connecting with other cultures confirmed her desire to write about the way we live.