Guide: How to Pitch & Write for LaptopMag (UK) — Practical steps for beginners

Section 1 · About the publication

What LaptopMag UK publishes — and a critical status update

LaptopMag is (or was) a specialist site focused on laptops, tablets, 2-in-1s, mobile PCs, related peripherals (monitors, mice, keyboards), and practical how-to guides and reviews for buyers and enthusiasts. The site runs separate regional sections (US, UK, Canada, Australia) with regions like the UK accessible at laptopmag.com/uk. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Important (must-read): LaptopMag published a site notice that it is closing after ~34 years; their staff said the site will remain online as an archive but that this is the final post. For writers, that changes things: editorial hiring and new freelance commissioning may be paused or stopped. If you plan to pitch, read that notice first and consider pitching sister Future titles (e.g., Tom’s Guide) as an immediate alternative. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Section 2 · Fit your idea

Is your idea LaptopMag-shaped (practical, tested, buyer-focused)?

LaptopMag liked ideas that solved a purchasing decision or real user problem. Use these checks to tighten your angle:

Section 3 · Prepare before you pitch

Build 3–5 strong samples that prove you can deliver

Before pitching LaptopMag (or any trusted tech outlet) you should have demonstrable samples: real reviews, a how-to with reproducible steps, or a detailed buying guide with selection criteria.

Section 4 · Pitch workflow + template

Exactly what to send (a beginner-friendly SOP)

Follow this compact workflow — it’s the same structure used for many editorial pitches and matches LaptopMag’s expectations on clarity and evidence. For LaptopMag, the pitch guidance historically asked contributors to email pitches and include links to relevant samples. Always check their live guidance page or contact email before sending. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Subject: Pitch: Hands-on guide — [short idea]

Hi LaptopMag team (or Editor name),

I’m [Your Name], a freelance tech writer and reviewer (link to portfolio). I’d like to pitch a [~1,200–2,000] word hands-on article: “[Clear headline that promises a result].”

Outline:
• Intro — why this matters (1–2 lines)
• Setup — hardware, OS, tools, test environment
• Step 1 — [first actionable step]
• Step 2 — [next step]
• Results — before/after numbers, screenshots
• Conclusion — recommendations and links to downloads/repo

Samples: [link 1] • [link 2]
GitHub / test files: [link]
I can deliver a first draft in ~2 weeks. Happy to adapt angle or length.

Thanks for considering — best, 
[Your Name] — [short credentials] — [email] — [phone/availability]

Section 5 · Money & invoices

How contributors were typically paid — what to expect

LaptopMag’s contributor guidance historically stated that Future plc (the group behind LaptopMag) pays contributors after publication and that payment processing typically took about 30 days once an invoice is submitted. If you are offered work, check the exact payment terms with the editor and request the invoicing email and purchase order number. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Section 6 · Ethics, links & conflicts

Honesty, testing, and disclosing affiliations

Be transparent. If a manufacturer supplied a laptop or accessory, disclose it. If you used affiliate links or had any other relationship with a vendor, disclose it in the article or pre-publication conversation. Editors take conflicts seriously; full disclosure protects your reputation and the publication. LaptopMag itself discloses affiliate relationships on its site. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Section 7 · Micro-SOP checklist

Final checklist before sending a pitch

Section 8 · FAQs & alternative outlets

Quick answers and where else to pitch