A good pitch makes the actual writing easier

When you start off strong, the hard part is over

Author

Diana Kelly Levey
June 29, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

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I just got a pitch accepted this week for an article idea I sent to an editor in April.

It’s nice when that happens and no, I didn’t even hear back from the editor at that time in acknowledgement that she received it. (I’m okay with that, I expect that now. I’m just letting you know in case you’re wondering if it’s “just you.”)

She saw that a similar article on their site was performing well, went back into her inbox after remembering I sent a pitch in that topic area, and asked me if I’d like to write it.

The rate wasn’t great but I already did most of the time-consuming work when I wrote the pitch.

Researching the idea, sharing how I’d format it, mentioning that I could include photos, and coming up with a good headline or two.

Since it’s slower this summer and I have a long lead time, I told the editor I could take it on.

No interviews, based on my experience and research and frankly, I should be able to get it done in about 30 to 45 minutes.

It should work out to a $150/hour freelance rate.

When you write a solid pitch and put the time in upfront, by the time an editor approves it, you’re well on your way.

Depending on the pitch, you might still need to find a source or two and do additional research but, a well-written article pitch outlines the type of expert you’ll talk to (and privately, you might have someone in mind), includes the element of why this/why now, which might involve a stat or research.

After getting approval on an article pitch (and dancing in my seat a bit), I like to send the editor a rough outline of what I’m thinking will be included in each section and possibly name the expert or two I’ve spoken to or will chat with.

This helps my writing process.

It also cuts down on the back-and-forth with the editor. (Less editing time means a higher hourly freelance rate for you.)

Once he or she approves your outline and sees the angle and approach, they know what to expect when the piece comes in.

Yes, the writing can be challenging at times. (Frankly, it’s getting my butt in a seat and blocking out distractions that’s the toughest part in my life. Once I start writing, it usually flows.)

But a good pitch that’s approved by your client is the kickstarter really helps make the article writing process easier.

Once I started writing better pitches, it was a lot easier to get to yes from an editor.

This pitching guide shows you exactly the pitch I sent to editors to get published on Real Simple’s website, Reader’s Digest, Apartment Therapy, in personal finance blogs, and work with lifestyle and wellness brands like Headspace, Fitbit, Nurx, and more.

See the subject lines that got an editor’s attention, what the email said, how I outlined the pitch, the editor’s response, and the final article result.

Thank you for reading.

Diana

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