MC-Guide
Content Writing
SOP 4: 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.
Pitching SOP — subject lines, one-paragraph pitch, follow-ups, and when to drop or re-angle.
You want to write for professional websites and magazines and you want to earn money for your work, so this hero section gives you a clean, repeatable way to pitch with confidence. You will learn how to choose a subject line that helps an editor recognize fit in one glance, how to write a single powerful paragraph that sells the idea without fluff, how to follow up politely with clear timelines, and how to decide when to drop or re-angle without burning bridges.
Pitching SOP — Send smart pitches that get picked: subject lines, one‑paragraph pitch, follow‑ups, and when to drop or re‑angle
You want to write for professional websites and magazines and you want to earn money for your work, so this SOP gives you a clean, repeatable way to pitch with confidence. You will learn how to choose a subject line that helps an editor recognize fit in one glance, how to write a single powerful paragraph that sells the idea without fluff, how to follow up politely with clear timelines, and how to decide when to drop or re‑angle without burning bridges. You will use this as a working checklist before you send anything, and you will adapt it for each outlet you target, including prestige sites like WIRED where pitch length and expectations can be different for features compared with service or explainer pieces.
The 10‑minute pitch‑prep — collect just enough to write a targeted pitch
You will open the same few pages every time. You will skim with a purpose. You will write short complete sentences in your notes. This keeps your pitch tight and relevant because you already know the section, the format, the tone, and a realistic length.
- Open the homepage, the target Section, the Write for Us / Pitch Us page, and two recent pieces that match your idea’s format.
- Mission line: Write one sentence that reflects the outlet’s promise to readers. Keep the verbs they use because those verbs signal fit later.
- Section + format: Name the section and the pattern you see (News, Explainer, Guide, Review, Feature, Ideas/Opinion). Write the typical length you observe.
- Proof style: Note whether they lean on numbers and named experts, scenes and chronology, hands‑on testing, or short service bullets.
- Submission path: Record the official channel (shared inbox or portal). If the outlet lists editors, note job titles rather than chasing personal emails.
Subject lines that help editors say yes faster.
Your subject line is a routing label. It tells the editor what the idea is, where it fits, and how much work it will take. You will avoid mystery. You will use simple, consistent tokens so your pitches are easy to sort and easy to find again.
| Pattern | When to use | Example (edit the brackets) |
|---|---|---|
| PITCH: [Section] — [Format] — [Working Title] | Default for most outlets | PITCH: Ideas — Explainer — What Open‑Source AI Changes for Small Hospitals |
| PITCH: [Desk] — [Beat] — [Working Title] — [Wordcount] | When guidelines ask for length | PITCH: Science — Climate — Rewilding With Drones — 1,200 words |
| PITCH (timely): [Why Now] — [Working Title] | True time‑sensitive peg | PITCH (timely): WHO Antibiotic Report — The 3 Fixes Hospitals Can Adopt Now |
| FOLLOW‑UP: [Original subject] | First polite nudge | FOLLOW‑UP: PITCH: Business — Feature — The Startup That Recycled Old Phones Into Solar Sensors |
The one‑paragraph pitch that sells the idea without wasting time
Editors scan for fit, freshness, and feasibility. Your paragraph will answer those three things in this order and it will do it in simple sentences. You will write once and you will reuse the structure forever.
| Element | What you write | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | Lead with the change, discovery, or problem in one sentence. | Signals novelty. |
| Why now | Add the peg: a new dataset, a policy shift, a seasonal need. | Makes timing obvious. |
| What’s new | Describe the angle in one clause and how it differs from what they ran before. | Prevents duplication. |
| How you’ll prove it | Name 2–3 sources or examples you can access quickly. | Shows feasibility. |
| Format & length | State the section and a realistic wordcount. | Sets scope. |
| Why you | One line about access, clips, or expertise, with 1–2 links. | Builds trust. |
Two example pitches you can edit now
These examples use the same structure. Edit the [brackets] to match your topic and target section. Keep sentences long and simple. Keep verbs strong and clear. Keep links to a minimum and pick your best clips only.
Example A — Service/Explainer (1 paragraph)
Subject: PITCH: Ideas — Explainer — The Quiet Rules of AI‑Detected Cheating in Indian Colleges Paragraph: Colleges across India are quietly testing AI‑detection policies on student essays and lab reports, and the rules are inconsistent and confusing which is making students anxious and teachers overloaded. This explainer shows what the most common policies say and how they are being applied this semester and why now is the moment because the new [UGC advisory / policy memo] landed this month and several large universities have already implemented it. The new thing here is that we compare the exact wording of policies and present a simple decision table for students and teachers, which the outlet has not published before on this topic. I will quote [1 named policy expert] and [2 deans/teachers] and I will use [1 dataset or survey] to ground claims. This fits the [Ideas/Explainers] section at [~1,200 words]. I have covered [education + tech] for [X, Y] and here are two relevant clips: [link #1], [link #2].Example B — Reported feature memo (5–7 short bullets)
Subject: PITCH: Features — Narrative — How a Rural Hospital Built a DIY Tele‑ICU With Old Tablets- What happened: A district hospital in [state] faced a critical specialist shortage and assembled a tele‑ICU from donated tablets and open‑source software which changed outcomes for emergency cases.
- Why now: New [public health report] shows rural ICU access gaps and this hospital’s program is expanding to two more districts this quarter.
- Characters: The biomedical engineer who hacked the first setup, the ICU chief who championed it, and a family whose case shows the stakes.
- Access: I have confirmed interviews with [names/roles] and I have access to internal metrics and a pilot evaluation and I can be on site in [X days].
- Shape & length: Narrative feature with scenes and documents and named experts at ~[3,000–5,000] words for [Features/The Big Story].
- Why me: I cover health‑tech and rural delivery systems for [A, B]; recent feature on [topic + link].
Follow‑ups that are polite, brief, and effective
You will decide your follow‑up cadence before you send the first pitch. You will keep it short and respectful. You will avoid daily nudges. You will move on cleanly when the time comes.
| Situation | When to nudge | Subject & body (one sentence) |
|---|---|---|
| Evergreen / features | Day 7–10 | FOLLOW‑UP: Same subject. Body: “Checking on the [topic] pitch below; still available and happy to adjust angle if helpful.” |
| Timely peg (non‑breaking) | Day 3–4 | FOLLOW‑UP (timely): Same subject. Body: “This is pegged to [event/report] this week; can hold for [X days] if useful.” |
| Breaking / very time‑sensitive | Same day (once) | FOLLOW‑UP (time‑sensitive): “Quick check in case this is a fit; otherwise I will route it elsewhere this afternoon.” |
| Second nudge (final) | +7–10 days after first | SECOND FOLLOW‑UP: “Closing loop on [topic]; happy to re‑angle for [desk] or withdraw and pitch elsewhere.” |
When to drop or re‑angle — a calm decision tree
You do not need dozens of follow‑ups. You need clear rules. This simple tree protects relationships and keeps your pipeline moving.
| Signal | Your move | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| No reply after two nudges | Withdraw politely and pitch next target | Editors are busy; a clean close respects their time and yours |
| Similar piece just published | Re‑angle (narrow scope, new format, fresh dataset) | Keep the core topic but change the promise |
| Desk says “not for us” | Ask one clarifying line, then drop | You will not argue. You will learn a preference. |
| News peg expired | Hold research and rebuild as evergreen | Strong reporting still earns later |
Outlet examples you can study before you pitch
You will always verify a site’s current pitch page before you send anything. Here are examples of official pages that show what editors expect. Open them, read them, and copy the phrasing they use for sections and submission channels.
- WIRED — How to Pitch Stories to WIRED (reporting focus, feature editors listed, memo length guidance).
- Vox — How to pitch Vox (what they want and desk addresses; updates maintained on a public page).
- The Atlantic — Submissions and Letters to the Editor (desk inboxes and instructions for various sections).
Pitching SOP — subject lines, one‑paragraph pitch, follow‑ups, and when to re‑angle or drop
You are ready to pitch. This SOP gives you repeatable patterns for subject lines, a one‑paragraph pitch, polite follow‑ups, and clear rules for when you should re‑angle or drop a pitch. You will write in simple long sentences. You will keep your tone calm and professional. You will make it easy for an editor to say yes. You will focus on websites and magazines that publish paid work, including technology and culture outlets similar to WIRED.com. You will use the frameworks exactly and you will copy and edit the templates for each target outlet.
Why this works — editors buy clarity, fit, and timing
Your subject line shows section, format, and promise in under 80 characters, and your first sentence explains what the story is, why now, and what readers get.
You mirror the outlet’s sections, voice, and proof style, so your idea looks like it belongs on their site today.
Your pitch includes a current hook and a realistic delivery window, so approving it feels safe.
You list one dataset, one expert, and one concrete example, which reduces editorial risk.
Subject lines — the SPARK formula and 25 ready‑to‑edit examples
You will use the SPARK formula. It keeps your subject practical and scannable in a crowded inbox. SPARK stands for Section, Pattern, Angle, Reader outcome, and Key noun. You will choose short tokens and place the working title at the end.
| Token | What you write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Section | Ideas, Business, Science, Culture, Gear | Ideas |
| Pattern | Explainer, Guide, Review, Feature, Analysis | Explainer |
| Angle | One clear phrase that signals the core move | “how X quietly changed Y” |
| Reader outcome | Result in 1–3 words | “so you can decide” |
| Key noun | The concrete thing or dataset | “the [Report Name] 2025 dataset” |
25 subject lines you can edit
- PITCH: Ideas — Explainer — What India’s UPI Taught the World — 1,200w
- PITCH: Business — Feature — The Quiet Solar Boom in Tier‑2 Cities — 3,000w
- PITCH: Science — Explainer — How mRNA Vaccines Are Stored in the Heat — 1,400w
- PITCH: Culture — Analysis — Why AI Voice Clones Change Dubbing — 1,200w
- PITCH: Gear — Review — Six Weeks With Budget ANC Earbuds — 1,000w
- PITCH: Security — Explainer — QR‑Code Scams and How to Spot Them — 1,100w
- PITCH: Ideas — Guide — Build a Personal AI Research Stack — 1,600w
- PITCH: Science — Feature — The Monsoon Forecast That Saved a Harvest — 2,400w
- PITCH: Business — Analysis — India’s ONDC vs Marketplaces — 1,300w
- PITCH: Culture — Feature — The New Internet Cafés: Co‑Work at ₹50/Hour — 2,000w
- PITCH: Gear — Guide — A Calm Starter Kit for Home Solar — 1,800w
- PITCH: Ideas — Explainer — What “Sovereign AI” Means in Practice — 1,200w
- PITCH: Business — Feature — Inside a Rural Drone‑Delivery Pilot — 2,800w
- PITCH: Science — Explainer — The Chemistry Behind Fast‑Charging — 1,300w
- PITCH: Culture — Analysis — The School Phone‑Ban Year One — 1,100w
- PITCH: Gear — Review — A Week With Budget e‑Bikes in Pune — 1,200w
- PITCH: Business — Explainer — Why Data Localization Keeps Expanding — 1,100w
- PITCH: Ideas — Feature — A Day Inside an EV Battery Second‑Life Lab — 2,600w
- PITCH: Science — Guide — How to Read Preprints Without Getting Burned — 1,400w
- PITCH: Culture — Feature — The WhatsApp Newsroom of a Small Town — 2,200w
- PITCH: Security — Analysis — India’s New SIM‑Swap Tactics — 1,100w
- PITCH: Gear — Guide — A DIY Air‑Quality Monitor That Actually Helps — 1,500w
- PITCH: Business — Feature — How a 3‑Person Team Built a ₹1‑Cr App — 2,200w
- PITCH: Ideas — Explainer — The Ethics of AI Photo Filters — 1,100w
- PITCH: Science — Feature — The Last‑Mile Cold Chain in Indian Heat — 2,400w
One‑paragraph pitch — the GHOST outline and 3 examples
Editors prefer short pitches they can read fast. You will write a single paragraph that contains the whole shape. Use the GHOST outline which stands for Gap, Hook, Outline, Sources, and Timeline. You will write complete sentences and you will keep the paragraph under 150–180 words.
| Piece | What you write | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Gap | One sentence on what is missing on their site or why the topic needs clarity now | Refer to two headlines and their dates |
| Hook | One current reason (dataset, policy, launch, season) | Name the dataset, date, or event |
| Outline | Three beats that show the story structure | Use arrows → to imply flow |
| Sources | One dataset, one expert, one example | Link all three |
| Timeline | Delivery window and word count | Give a concrete date you can hit |
Fill‑in template
GAP — Your site covered [short ref, date] and [short ref, date], but readers still need a clear [explainer/guide/analysis] of [topic] that shows [result].
HOOK — The fresh reason to do this now is [dataset/policy/event] released on [date], which changes [consequence].
OUTLINE — I will structure it as [Beat 1 → Beat 2 → Beat 3], with a short [explainer/scene/guide] box on [useful subtopic].
SOURCES — I will use [Dataset link], ask [Expert/Org link] for on‑the‑record quotes, and include [Case/example link].
TIMELINE — [1,200–1,600 words], delivery by [date you can hit]. I have [one‑line credential or relevant clip link].
Three worked examples (editable)
Follow‑ups — the ACE rule and a calm schedule
You will follow the ACE rule which means you will be Anchored to the outlet’s stated policy, Calm in your timeline, and Exact in what changes in your follow‑up. You will respect that some outlets do not respond unless interested. You will send one polite nudge and then you will move on.
| Outlet policy shape | Your move | Example line |
|---|---|---|
| “We’ll reply if interested; otherwise assume pass” | One follow‑up after 7–10 days, then drop | “Checking once in case it was buried; happy to re‑angle if useful.” |
| “Typical response within X days” | Nudge one day after the window, then wait 3–4 more days | “Following up per your X‑day window; still keen to hit [date].” |
| “Use shared inbox only” | Do not DM individual editors unless rules allow | “Resending to the shared inbox as requested; links inline.” |
Follow‑up template (short)
Subject: Following up on PITCH — [Section · Pattern · 6–10 words]
Hi [Editor/Team],
Just checking once in case this got buried. I proposed [topic] for [section], with [one‑line hook].
I can file [wordcount] by [date]. Happy to re‑angle towards [alternate section/format] if useful.
Links to clips: [1–3 links].
Thanks for considering,
[Your name] — [portfolio link]
Re‑angle or drop — the DROP test and 12 practical rewrites
The DROP test helps you decide your next step. If your pitch fails on one or more letters you will rewrite before you send it elsewhere. DROP means Data freshness, Reader outcome, Outlet fit, and Proof strength.
| Letter | Question | If “no”, your move |
|---|---|---|
| D — Data freshness | Is there a 0–60 day hook? | Swap in a new dataset, policy, or seasonal peg |
| R — Reader outcome | Is the outcome obvious in one line? | Rewrite the promise in reader language |
| O — Outlet fit | Does the section+pattern match two recent pieces? | Change section or pattern to match a visible shape |
| P — Proof strength | Do you have one dataset, one expert, one example? | Add sources or shrink scope until proof fits |
12 quick re‑angles
- Explainer → Guide: turn abstract “how it works” into step‑by‑step “how to do it.”
- Feature → Analysis: compress the scene‑heavy plan into a tight trend read.
- Business → Ideas: move from market dynamics to consequences for people.
- Science → Security: frame the same tech as a safety or privacy issue.
- Culture → Business: show the money and incentives behind a cultural shift.
- Guide → Explainer: remove brand‑specific steps; explain the mechanism once.
- Global → India‑first: rescope to examples and data from India if the outlet skews local.
- Long → Short: convert a 2,600‑word plan to a 1,200‑word tight read with fewer voices.
- Trend → Case: pick one specific example that carries the whole trend.
- Case → Trend: widen out from your example to a pattern with two more proofs.
- Abstract → Concrete: trade concept language for one named place, product, or rule.
- Now → Evergreen: if the hook expired, produce a timeless guide with small updates.
Email body — a clean first‑send that mirrors house style
You will paste your GHOST paragraph and add only the minimal context an editor needs. Keep everything scannable and link out for proof. Do not attach files unless the guidelines ask for it.
Subject: PITCH: [Section — Pattern — Working Title] — [Wordcount]
Hi [Editor/Team],
I would like to write a [pattern] for [section] on [topic].
[GHOST paragraph goes here in 4–5 sentences, 150–180 words.]
I can file by [date] and I will keep the tone [house tone, e.g., smart‑casual].
Here are two relevant clips: [link 1], [link 2]. Portfolio: [link].
Thanks for considering,
[Your Name]
[City/Time zone]
Outlet‑tailored examples (WIRED‑style feature, Vox‑style explainer)
Pitch tracker — a simple table to protect your pipeline
| Date | Outlet | Section/Pattern | Hook | Wordcount | Editor | Status | Next Action/Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [2025‑11‑12] | [Target A] | Ideas · Explainer | New dataset | 1,200 | [Inbox name] | Sent | FU 2025‑11‑20 |
| [2025‑11‑14] | [Target B] | Business · Feature | Policy change | 2,600 | [Editor] | Drafting sample | Outline 2025‑11‑16 |
| [2025‑11‑18] | [Target C] | Gear · Guide | Seasonal need | 1,800 | [Inbox] | No reply | Re‑angle 2025‑11‑26 |
Common questions — short answers you can use today
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I pitch multiple outlets at once? | If the guidelines allow simultaneous submissions you may do so, but you must withdraw immediately when accepted. If the guidelines ask for exclusivity you must respect that. |
| How many clips do I need? | Two links are enough if they prove you can report or explain clearly in the target voice. If you do not have clips, use one well‑edited blog post or portfolio page that mirrors their tone. |
| Should I attach a PDF? | Most outlets prefer links. Attach only when the page asks for a PDF or a Submittable upload. Otherwise paste links to your work and sources. |
| What if my English is not perfect? | Write simple long sentences and avoid idioms. Offer to work with an editor on line edits. Clarity and reporting strength matter more than fancy phrasing for most outlets. |
| What if I get a fast “not for us” reply? | Thank them once. Re‑angle with the DROP test and send to a better‑fit section or a different site without delay. |
Master pitch checklist — print and keep near your keyboard
| Area | Action | Done |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Section · Pattern · 6–10 words · Wordcount token | □ |
| Paragraph | GHOST in 150–180 words with three links | □ |
| Tone | Mirror their headline and deck style | □ |
| Follow‑up | One nudge after 7–10 days (if allowed) | □ |
| Re‑angle | Run DROP test before pitching elsewhere | □ |
| Tracker | Log next action with a date | □ |
Short responses for common outcomes
Thanks for the green light. I will confirm source availability today and file by [date].
I will keep the tone [house tone]. I will share a fact‑check doc and link log with the draft.
Thanks for the quick decision. I appreciate the look.
I will re‑angle for a different section and keep you posted on future ideas.
Happy to share more. Here is one paragraph on sources and feasibility, and here is one link to a relevant clip.
I can still hit [date].
Closing the loop on my pitch from [date]. I am going to re‑angle it elsewhere for now.
Thank you for taking a look.
You now have a calm, repeatable pitch workflow
Use the SPARK subject line, the GHOST paragraph, the ACE follow‑up, and the DROP re‑angle test. Keep your tracker updated. You will practice once a week. You will respect outlet policies. You will write in simple long sentences. You will earn more because your pitches fit and your delivery is reliable.