If you want to get into freelance journalism, you need to pitch ideas. Here are some pointers…
Show that you’ve read the magazine / paper / website that you’re pitching to by suggesting a section or a slot that it could work for
Don’t send an overly long email, a couple of short paragraphs explaining the idea should be more than enough.
Provide a couple of links to your work. This can even be your Twitter bio if you don’t have anything published yet. Don’t attach a 5,000 word dissertation you wrote at uni.
Show why you’re the best person to write said idea – whether it’s because you have a personal connection to a key subject, a really good ‘in’ or just a passion for it.
Is there a topical hook for your idea? This could be a news story or a book / film / TV programme coming out or it could be a moment in the zeitgeist. Basically, why is it interesting right now?
In general, chase a week after pitching to someone with a polite follow-up email. If it’s not right for that particular publication, is there a way you can re-tool it and pitch it somewhere else?