ABSTRACT
If a writer submits a pitch without undertaking the necessary market research or reading a few issues of the target publication, they will almost certainly get rejected. Why? Because by reading the first paragraph of a pitch, most editors can determine those writers who have done their market research from those who have not. From the editor’s perspective, the former is far more likely to produce relevant, engaging ideas, therefore their pitch is going make an impact.
As with any profession, preparation is essential. Skipping the basics is one of the biggest causes of rejection. This chapter takes a comprehensive approach – from how to research potential markets, to understanding news values, editorial pillars and audiences.
