MC-Guide
Content Writing
Process 3: Pitching
This SOP named Pitching method is going to help you in your pitching process
This SOP will shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch perfectly and follow up.
You will learn what information you should collect, how you can pitch and follow up.
Process 3: Outline & Angle (Editor Scannable)
Process 1 gave you a Strategy Brief (clarity). Process 2 gave you a Research Pack (evidence). Now you combine both into one thing editors love: a tight outline that shows the story structure, the proof placements, and the promise to the reader.
Your goal: an editor can skim your outline and think “Yes, this is clean, safe, and publishable.”
What you’ll build in Process 3
You will build a pitch-ready outline that includes: a one-sentence promise, H2/H3 structure, where proof goes, and a checklist/CTA. This makes your pitch feel professional and reduces editor uncertainty.
If Process 1 = “What is the story?”, and Process 2 = “Can we trust it?”, then Process 3 = “How will it read?”
The beginner approach (6 outline blocks)
Simple rule: every H2 should either solve a reader question or support a claim you promised.
Write the promise like a product label
- Use: “This story helps [reader] do [outcome] without [risk].”
- If you can’t write this, your idea is still fuzzy.
Choose one angle and keep it
- Test: “I tried it and here is what happened.”
- Compare: “A vs B vs C” with a decision checklist.
- Explain: simplify a confusing topic with examples.
- Risk: “Most people miss this and it causes trouble.”
Create 5–8 H2 headings
- H2 = major steps or major questions.
- Each H2 should move the reader forward.
- Don’t add “history of…” unless it’s required.
Place proof inside the outline
- Under each H2, add 1–2 proof slots.
- Example: “Proof: policy doc / report / quote / example.”
- This prevents weak writing later.
Add examples early
- Readers trust examples more than theory.
- Add at least 2: one “safe” and one “red flag”.
End with action
- Include a mini checklist that matches your promise.
- CTA = what the reader does in 10 minutes.
Outline Builder (H2/H3 + proof slots)
Use your Process 1 + 2 notes. This generates a clean outline you can paste into your pitch email.
Title: [Working title]
Promise: [One-sentence promise]
Angle: [Angle]
Not covered: [What we won’t cover]
Outline (H2/H3 + proof slots):
H2: [Heading]
Ending checklist + CTA:
• [Checklist item]
Example outline (copy the pattern)
Replace [bracketed text] with your topic.
Title: A Simple AI Safety Checklist for Teams (No Drama) Promise: This story helps team leads use AI tools at work without leaking private data or breaking policy. Angle: Explain + checklist Not covered: This is not legal advice. It’s a practical safety guide for everyday use. Outline: H2: The real risk (in simple words) – Proof slot: 1 report/stat + 1 short expert quote H2: What is safe vs unsafe to share (fast table) – Proof slot: tool privacy docs + policy examples H2: The 10-line team policy (copy-paste) – Proof slot: 2–3 real rules + why they exist H2: Safe prompt examples (copy + edit) – Proof slot: examples + “why it’s safe” H2: Red flags (and what to do instead) – Proof slot: 6 red flags + better alternatives H2: Quick checklist + next steps – Proof slot: printable checklist Ending checklist: • Pick one tool and write rules • Don’t paste client data • Use safe prompt templates CTA: Copy the checklist into your team doc and train everyone in 15 minutes.
Common beginner outline mistakes (and the fix)
12–20 headings
Fix: keep 5–8 H2s. Add depth with H3s, not more H2s.
All opinion
Fix: add proof slots under H2s. Editor trust increases instantly.
No action
Fix: end with a checklist + CTA. Help the reader win fast.
“We’ll cover everything”
Fix: add “Not covered” lines and keep the outline finishable.
Checklist: are you ready to write?
Click to check. When these are done, you’re ready for Process 4 (Drafting / Writing System).