Pitching your ideas to editors can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, the real challenge often lies in the follow-up process. Knowing how to effectively follow up with editors after a pitch can make a significant difference in whether your pitch gets noticed and accepted. In this guide, we’ll explore some best practices and strategies for mastering the art of following up with editors after a pitch.
Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up
Following up with editors after pitching is crucial for several reasons:
- It demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to your pitch.
- It keeps your pitch fresh in the editor’s mind.
- It provides an opportunity to address any questions or concerns the editor may have.
- It increases the chances of receiving feedback on your pitch.
Best Practices for Following Up
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when following up with editors after a pitch:
- Timing is Key: Follow up within a reasonable timeframe after sending your initial pitch. Waiting too long may cause the editor to forget about your pitch.
- Personalize Your Follow-Up: Address the editor by name and reference your initial pitch to show that you have done your homework.
- Keep it Concise: Be respectful of the editor’s time and keep your follow-up email brief and to the point.
- Offer Value: In your follow-up, reiterate the value of your pitch and how it aligns with the editor’s audience or publication.
- Ask for Feedback: Politely ask for feedback on your pitch to show that you are open to constructive criticism.
Examples of Effective Follow-Up Emails
Here are two examples of effective follow-up emails after a pitch:
Example 1: Subject: Following Up on My Pitch – [Your Pitch Title]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the pitch I sent you last week regarding [Brief Description of Your Pitch]. I believe this topic would resonate well with your audience due to [Reasons Why Your Pitch is Relevant].
I would greatly appreciate any feedback or guidance you can provide on how to tailor this pitch to better fit [Publication’s] editorial style. Thank you for considering my proposal.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Example 2: Subject: Quick Follow-Up on My Pitch – [Your Pitch Title]
Hello [Editor’s Name],
I wanted to touch base regarding the pitch I shared with you on [Pitch Topic]. I believe this piece has the potential to engage [Publication’s] readers by [Brief Explanation of Pitch Benefits].
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this pitch.
Warm regards, [Your Name]
Conclusion
Mastering the art of following up with editors after a pitch is essential for increasing your chances of getting your ideas accepted. By understanding the importance of follow-up, following best practices, and crafting personalized follow-up emails, you can enhance your communication with editors and showcase your professionalism.
Q&A
Q: How soon should I follow up after sending a pitch? A: It is recommended to follow up within 5-7 business days after sending your initial pitch.
Q: What should I do if I don’t receive a response to my follow-up email? A: If you don’t receive a response after your follow-up, you can send a polite reminder email after another week or two. It’s important to respect the editor’s time and workload.
