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 7 — Pitch & Outreach (Connected to Process 1–6)

Content Writing Flow · Process 4/11 · Pitch & Outreach

Process 4: Pitch Email & Outreach (Send the Package You Built)

Everything before this was preparation. Now you convert it into one outcome: reply → questions → assignment → fee → deadline. This process connects directly to what you already built: Process 1 brief, Process 2 proof, Process 3 outline.

1 Find contact 2 Subject line 3 5-part pitch 4 Attach package 5 Follow-ups 6 Reply handling

✉️ Build your pitch email 🗓️ Follow-up plan ✅ Checklist

Your pitch must do one thing: remove work for the editor.

Overview

What you’ll do in Process 4

You will send a pitch that contains: one promise (Process 1), proof (Process 2), and outline (Process 3).

The goal is not to “sound impressive.” The goal is to be easy to assign.

Beginner steps Pitch builder Follow-up plan Mistakes Checklist

Simple pitch rule: Your email should read like a mini product page: problem → solution → proof → deliverable → next step.

Step-by-step

The beginner approach (6 outreach blocks)

These 6 blocks keep your pitching consistent and professional.

1Find the right contact

Don’t pitch “info@” if you can avoid it

Find editor / section editor / pitch inbox.
Match the desk: AI, Security, Business, Culture, etc.
Save name + email in your tracker.

2Subject line

Make it specific + scannable

Use: “Pitch: [topic] — [reader win]”
Avoid vague: “Story idea”
One email = one idea.

35-part pitch body

Keep it short (editors skim)

Line 1: Pitch line (from Process 1 builder).
Lines 2–4: Why now + stakes.
Proof: 2–4 proof items (Process 2).
Deliverable: scope + assets (Process 6).
CTA: ask a simple question.

4Attach the package

Remove work for the editor

Paste the submission package text (Process 6).
Include outline + assets block.
Link 2–3 relevant clips.

5Follow-ups

Follow-up politely (most beginners don’t)

Follow-up #1: 4–5 business days
Follow-up #2: 10–12 business days
Then move on (or pitch another desk).

6Handle replies

Answer questions like a pro

Reply fast (same day if possible).
If they ask for angle change, update Process 1 + 6 quickly.
Confirm fee, deadline, and rights.

Connection tip: If an editor asks “What exactly will you deliver?” paste your Process 3 Outline again. Make it effortless.

Tool

Pitch Email Builder (connected to your package)

Fill the fields. It generates: subject line, short email, and two follow-up templates.

Process 4 Output Pitch email + follow-ups

Editor name (optional)

If you don’t know the name, use “Hi [Desk] team,” or “Hi there,”.

Publication (from Process 1)

Desk / section (from Process 1)

Working title (from Process 3)

Reader win (one line)

Pitch line (from Process 1)

This should be your first sentence in the email.

Why now (stakes) (from Process 1/2)

Proof (2–4 items) (from Process 2)

Deliverable (scope + assets) (from Process 3 skip if not available as you can make in Process 9)

Your clips (2–3 links)

1–2 line credibility bio

Submission package block (optional paste from Process 3 skip if not available in outline)

If email must be short, paste a condensed assets + outline block only.

Pitch Email + Follow-ups (copy-paste)

Fill fields and click Build pitch email...

Tip: Keep your pitch under ~180–220 words if possible.

Beginner safety: If you don’t have a strong clip yet, say: “I can deliver a clean, proof-backed draft quickly; happy to write on spec for a smaller fee if needed.” (Only use this if you truly want it.)

Follow-up plan

Follow-up timeline (simple and polite)

Most editors are busy. Following up is normal. Keep it short and respectful.

Day 0

Send pitch email. Save the date in your tracker. Don’t send multiple ideas in the same thread.

Day 4–5

Follow-up #1: 2 lines. “Just bubbling this up.” Re-attach the pitch line + deliverable.

Day 10–12

Follow-up #2: very short. Offer a small angle tweak. Ask if they prefer a different desk.

After

No reply? Move on. Pitch another publication using the same Process 1–3 workflow.

Pro move: If you pitch 10 times and get 2 replies, you’re normal. Track: pitches sent, replies, assignments, fees.

Avoid These

Common beginner mistakes (and the fix)

×Mistake: long email

Huge paragraphs

Fix: 5-part pitch + bullets + short lines.

×Mistake: vague ask

“Thoughts?”

Fix: ask one question: “Is this a fit for your desk?”

×Mistake: no proof

Only opinions

Fix: add 2–4 proof items from Process 2.

×Mistake: no follow-up

Send once, vanish

Fix: follow-up twice on a schedule.

Before Process 8

Checklist: are you ready to hit send?

Click to check. When done, you’re ready for Process 8 (Assignment & Negotiation).

One outlet: publication + desk match Process 1.

Pitch line: first sentence is clear + specific.

Proof included: 2–4 strong items from Process 2.

Deliverable: scope + assets from Process 6 included.

Clips: 2–3 relevant links included.

Follow-up scheduled: day 4–5 and day 10–12 reminders set.

Next: Say Continue and I’ll create Process 8/11: Assignment & Negotiation in the same connected style.