How do you write pitch as a freelance writer? [+ Examples]

4 Freelance Writer Pitch Examples to Win Clients Over

Carolina

Becoming a freelance writer provides you with many benefits, including being your own boss, choosing your own clients, and the work you accept.

It also requires you to find your own paying writing projects, and this can be a stumbling block for many.

You know you are creative and can write, but how do you convince others that you can create the content they need or want?

That is where the pitch comes into play.

As a freelancer, you need to sell yourself to clients and publications in a manner that captures attention, showcases your skills, and makes you the one to choose.

For these reasons, learning how to write stellar pitches can get you in the door and keep you there, boosting your freelance writing career to new realms.

Whether you are only starting out or you’re already a seasoned professional, creating these highly effective pitches is your ticket to success.

Examples of Freelance Writer Pitches

There are different types of pitches, and the one you choose will depend on your topic idea, the publication you are pitching to, and your particular writing preferences and abilities.

1. Story Idea Pitch

Storytelling is a unique skill and one used throughout the information and marketing world today.

Begin by letting them know how you learned of their publication and how you came across the idea you are pitching.

From there, go into specifics about the story you want to tell.

Create one paragraph that introduces the proposed title and points to be covered.

In the next paragraph, let the editor know your plan of action, such as who you will interview or what interactive content you’ll use to gain information.

This plan of action shows you have thoroughly considered the topic and in what direction you plan to take it, along with beneficial resources to help get you there.

Wrap this section up with how it will benefit the readers.

By reading the body of the pitch, the editor should already be able to formulate an idea of the story you want to tell.

End the pitch by briefly introducing yourself and your qualifications.

2. General Introduction Pitch

A general introduction pitch is a way to give the editor or other recipient a way to learn about you in an engaging way.

You won’t be pitching a particular idea to write about, but instead let them know you are interested in writing for them and showcase the skills you have.

This type of pitch makes them aware of you, your talent, and your interests.

While they may not have anything specific for you right away, if they like what they see (or read) in your pitch, future projects may come your way.

Begin by acknowledging something particular to the publication, like a recent cover or article you find impressive or a new business or marketing approach they’ve recently undertaken.

Introduce yourself as a freelance writer and directly ask if they outsource content creation.

Proceed to list out your experiences, such as with writing web content, blog posts, or articles. The pitch is not the place to include your full freelancer’s resume, however.

When possible, mention clips of published works and other interests you have that relate in some way to the industry the publication represents.

End with a note that you would like to work for them, and then provide your contact information.

Sometimes, these general pitches almost feel like cold-calling, and that’s not far off the mark. It can be awkward at first, but the weirdness wears off—you’re reaching out human-to-human, after all. In fact, many editors expect writers to introduce themselves this way, so you’re not breaking any unspoken rules by doing it.

Editors see a lot of pitches that blend into a sea of sameness, and nothing turns people off faster. If there’s a (relevant) quirky detail or a personal connection to the publication’s subject matter, even a brief mention can work in your favor. Just don’t try too hard to be clever; authenticity tends to resonate more than a rehearsed performance, and it’s clear when someone’s reaching for punchlines that don’t quite land.

Even if your pitch doesn’t get a reply right away (and let’s be honest, plenty won’t), sometimes months later you’ll find an editor circling back. Writers have little influence over when an outlet suddenly needs contributors—it’s a bit like auditioning, you mostly don’t hear back, but when you’re remembered, it helps to have left a positive, if slightly offbeat, impression. In a lot of cases, editors are scrolling their inboxes in a hurry, searching by vague keywords, and then your odd detail about a childhood obsession with maps or a year spent living in Taiwan pops up. That’s when a little boldness pays off, or at least gives them an excuse to pick you out of the noise.

While we’re here: don’t underestimate the power of showing you understand the publication’s voice. Read three or four of their recent stories, especially anything bylined by the main editor, and pick up on their rhythms. Some editors hate getting copy that sounds like marketing fluff; others secretly love a good pun. Fit your pitch to their mood, even if it’s subtle—think of it as tuning your instrument before the audition, not performing a full-on solo.

3. Article Pitch

An article pitch is more specific and is an attempt to convince the editor that your idea fits with the publication and its’ audience.

Include:

A brief summary of the proposed article.
Why the topic is a good fit for their audience.
Your bio along with contact information.

Always check submission guidelines, which are often found online, and consider what is required.

If the editor will accept completed pieces, you may want to send the full version of your article to save them time and potentially win them over.

4. Proposal Pitch

A proposal pitch is a way to show how the editor or content client can benefit from the services you offer.

Start by reviewing the publication or website. Look for any hints as to what you can offer in your proposal pitch.

If you see that their blog has languished, propose to get it up and running again.

Could one or more of their web pages use an update? Maybe the client could benefit from case studies or white papers.

Essentially, your proposal pitch needs to identify a relevant problem in a non-critical way, provide a step-by-step solution, and discuss the benefits.

Your goal is to give them an overview of what services you can provide and how these can help the organization overall.

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Wrap Up

As a freelance writer, you are the one responsible for your own success.

Research and find the publications or other entities needing content that you wish to write for, and craft a pitch that gets you noticed.

Keep your pitch brief, engaging, and timely, and show off your writing skills in the process.

Perfecting your pitch is just one step to reaching success. You also need to ensure you are charging the right amounts for your services.