Today, Ian Chandler is presenting his Road Tested Pitch Template. He’s used this template to land many well paying writing jobs across the internet.
It is a powerful tool! And we are giving it to you, completely free.
Today’s homework:
- Write a two sentence bio of yourself.
- Write a two sentence description of an article you would like to write.
Be sure to post your questions in the discussion as well!
For question number 2 …… I would like to write an article on how my mother built up a small 10 student LPN (License Practical Nursing ) program to one that served three counties not just the one. It is now a large program that is a part of a community college.
I am 73 years old and I taught English and writing to middle school students for 23 years. I have published some poetry and was the editor and writer for my professional newsletter. I also was the advisor for the student newspaper. I also did a newsletter for my church. I retired to take care of my parents and daughter who now have been deceased for several years. I have raised my daughters two children. My retirement was not enough so I went back to work, but not as a teacher. I love to write and create things. I also enjoy decorating. I have been looking at this copy writing thing for some time but have not had the extra money to take advantage of any of the workshops till this free one. I have really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for putting it out there. I hope this will help me to get started. I also have a paralegal certification and was hoping to do some research and writing briefs for some lawyers. It is kind of hard getting started because of not knowing how to present yourself when there is no experience nor examples of your writings… Read more »
I am a 61 year old Christian with a BS in religion from Liberty University. I have been teaching the Bible for over 40 years.
I would like to offer an essay on the foundations of the family, based on Genesis 1-3 and Ephesians 5. It focuses on the ideal of the Trinity being reflected in the family and would help the reader both understand the Trinity and the important of maintaining a solid core within the family unit.
Is a cover letter for a product that is written and a pitch for one that is not? If not, how do you decide which to use>
Rebecca,
You would use a pitch when proposing an article to a magazine, blog, or website. Basically, when you are proposing to write an article for an established publication.
Cover letters are used in proposing books with publishers, which is a very different discussions. They’re also used in job applications as well. If you want to work with a private client, then you wouldn’t do a pitch or a cover letter, but there is still overlap with the pitch template. You want to be succinct and clear, with a focus on value.
Your bio and article description are both clear – and to the point. Just the right style for a pitch.
Thank you for your answer, Jacob. I am still a bit confused, for I have seen a cover letter requested for a short story. Also, thank you for the template–template help make things much easier.
I am a 61-y.o. lapsed Episcopalian, rebooting my PR/Consulting business, Drumbeat Communications. I’m a freelance journalist and former liberal (prefer Progressive) who supports the next generation of community activists.
I’ve been arrested outside of the South African embassy in Washington DC in protest of the apartheid regime; I’ve been an active volunteer/worker on three historic campaigns and traveled to Guam, Japan, Taiwan, S. Korea, Thailand, Saipan, Mexico, Canada, and South Africa. And the best is yet to come!
I am a muslim and 27 years age. I am freelancer writer. I recently completed my graduation.
I write different topics of life and different essentials of human,s life.
BIO I am a South American-born Australian aka Auzilian rabid male approaching middle age. I will die when I am done.
“Cutting, funny, idiosyncratic-this article may one of the more singular and influential of it’s kind to be published in some time.”
-Reknowned critic.
Good Evening:
Please let me know if I should do anything different. Thanks.
Homework:
A little about me: I am a freelance writer that provides inspirational publications. I have been published through CreateSpace/Creative Writing.
I desire to write an article entitled “Encourage Yourself” which shows how we all go through things. The benefits of self-encouragement that brings knowledge and strength through all situations.
Could this be incorporated for cover letters too? Or are sending pitches and cover letters different? Thank you.
Question: Some articles I wrote were published several years ago in our city newspaper, but the interviews were specifically local and the topics then are different than the topics I want to write about now. Does that matter in my bio? Do I just say I’ve been published before and leave it at that?
Brooke, There are a few solutions to this. In general, it does help to show that you have a record of past publication, but editors are busy, so it makes sense to keep discussion of your previous publications to a minimum.
In a pitch, it can be good to highlight relevant previous publications – i.e., ones that are similar to what you are proposing.
Otherwise, you can say you are a freelance writer, and link to a simple portfolio online. That way, the editor can look as your portfolio, if they want to learn more.