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Pitch letters are written proposals sent to encourage reporters and editors to cover specific news events or story ideas. They do not contain all the information about the story, but just enough to attract interest. The media receives several story proposals each day and pitch letters help attract attention to the issue you want to be covered. But, to achieve the main aim, pitch letters must be well written and brief. They must of course be followed up by direct contact with the targeted journalist or producer.
Pitch letters serve on purpose - to pique the journalist’s interest in your story.
Pitch letters are particularly useful if you want to get someone from your organization on television or radio to talk about your work. Just as you write a press release to convince the press to cover an event you are having, you write a pitch letter to convince a producer (or editor) to interview someone from your organization or company to create a profile on your issue.
How to write a pitch letter:
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Address your letter to the producer or reporter you hope to interest. Try to address it to a specific person rather than using just a title. Start your letter with a paragraph that tells exactly why your story is interesting and important. Avoid using “must” or “should” for writing about a particular story or having a particular guest on the radio or TV programs. Follow the first paragraph with a short, concrete description of the story and details for contacting your organization’s media coordinator. Follow up the pitch letter with a phone call the following day or, at the latest, the day after that. |
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A pitch letter should be: |
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No longer than one page. |
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In the form of a letter. |
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Creative and exciting. |
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Direct and clear. |
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Not the “whole story”. |
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Followed up with a phone call. |
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