How to pitch your psychology article

In a recent blog post, I shared how you can be quoted as an expert in a media publication which is typically written by a journalist. But what if you want to write about the topic yourself? Learn how to pitch your psychology or health article to an online publication, here.

Research

The first step is research. Look at what publications print similar topics and articles.  Once you’ve come up with a short list, look at whether they are open to submissions from freelancers and what section you want to pitch to. There’s no point pitching to the editor in chief of a major publication when you can pitch directly to the head of the section who will commission the piece.

Personalise

Once you’ve identified the editor of the section you want to publish and find their contact details. You can usually find this on the publication website under ‘submissions’ or by doing some research on LinkedIn. 

Follow the rules

If the publication has submission guidelines- follow them! The fastest route to having your pitch rejected by an editor is to not follow the submission guidelines carefully. These guidelines usually include things like topics, word count etc. If you want to pitch an article on ….

The hook

Create a catchy subject line. We all have inboxes bursting at the seams so imagine what it’s like for a busy editor! Hook their attention with an interesting email subject line. 

Here’s a subject line that I had accepted in the Guardian’s Opinion section:

PITCH: Why mental health should be part of every woman's birth plan

It doesn’t necessarily have to be the headline of the article- usually the editor decides on this- but if you can hook their interest, then they’ll be keen to open the email and find out more. 

Be concise 

When you write the body of your pitch, be concise and get to the point. Let the editor know immediately what they are getting. Include the writing format (e.g. interview, feature, opinion piece, personal essay etc.), your planned interview sources (if you’re using those), and a succinct summary of your pitch. Keep your pitch to 200-300 words. Editors are busy and don’t have time to read a lengthy submission. 

Consider the audience

Think about the audience of the publication. Why would someone want to read this article? If you have a target audience, tell the editor how this aligns with their audience. 

Consider the timing, too. Why is this issue important now? Has there been research research data that offers a new perspective or urgency about a subject? Has it been in the media?

Use your expertise

You can include a short bio but more importantly, you want to show the editor why YOU are the best person to write this article. What is your area of expertise? Make it known. Being an expert in a particular topic can help you break into freelance writing. 

Writing Experience

Most editors will want to see some writing samples, so if you have some (and they’re relevant), include them in the email cover letter. If you don’t have a writing sample (this is where a business blog can come in handy!!) let them know you’re happy to write the article “on spec”  (aka speculation) which means you are willing to write the article without being under contract which reduces the risk for the editor if your writing style is not a good fit for them.

Be contactable

Ensure your pitch includes your email address, phone number and social media accounts so they can be in touch if they want to discuss the article further. 

Be reliable

Offer a proposed deadline in your pitch. E.g. “I can submit this within two weeks.” This makes life easier for the editor. TIP: Meet the deadline!

Follow up

Wait a couple of weeks and then follow up if you don’t hear back. Sometimes emails get lost in inboxes or editors get swamped. If you haven’t received a reply to your pitch, follow up with a polite email and ask if they’ve had a chance to read your email yet. Even if your pitch is not accepted, most editors will advise you either way. 

Work on your next pitch

Most new writers won’t have their first pitch accepted. So once you’ve sent off your pitch, start working on your next one. It’s a great distraction from the nail-biting wait as you check your inbox every minute from the moment you’ve hit send!

Start pitching!

Researching the publication and the submission guidelines and writing a clear, succinct pitch to the publication will improve your chances of it being accepted. Keep in mind, your pitch email will provide the editor with a good insight into your personality and writing style.

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If you’d like support with content creation and establishing yourself as an expert in the field, explore my range of coaching and mentoring packages.

Have you considered pitching to an editor? Share your experience in the comments below.