How to Write a Pitch Like a Pro (That Hooks the Media)
If you want to write a pitch that gets attention and a reply, you need to know these hot tips–my dos and don’ts. Since I get hundreds of pitches every month as a book blogger at Imagination Soup, I can tell you what works and what doesn’t work.
My biggest tip is to PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES. Think like the person on the other end of your email.
Do they want to read your life story? NO.
Do you need to tell them that your neighbor’s kids liked your book? NO.
What do they need? Let’s get to that next.
Pitch Writing List of Dos
- The subject line is clear and interesting
Example: Monsterous & Magical Middle-Grade Book, or Raised by Squirrels Chapter Book Blog Tour - You only give the pertinent information
– brief description
– publisher, pub date
– age range of reader
– tie-in to the media outlet’s content (topic, theme, angle)
– cover and link to the publisher’s website - ASK for what you want
Example: Will you accept a review copy for consideration? Would you join this blog tour on this date? - BE FRIENDLY (I know. You’d be surprised!)
It’s as easy as that! But you would be surprised at the pitches I get that do not include any of the above.
Winning Pitch Example
Dear _________,
Ellen Potter’s forthcoming chapter book, Squirlish: Shark in the Park, is a playful chapter book for ages 6 to 9 about a girl raised by squirrels in Central Park. It will be published by Simon & Schuster with a release date of July 9, 2024.
In this second book of the Squirlish series, Cordelia’s adventure takes her to the Natural History Museum, where she and the squirrel prince learn the important history of Seneca Village, a 19th-century settlement of African-American landowners in what is now Central Park.
Would you be interested in an interview with Ellen and/or a review copy of the book?
Warmly,
Melissa
Pitch Writing List of Don’ts
Pitch Don’ts
- Don’t get my name wrong. Melissa, not Michelle.
- Don’t forget to spell check and grammar check.
- Don’t forget to tell me the TITLE of your book!
- Don’t forget to say the ages the book is for.
- Don’t tell me the themes or that your kids like it. Why do I care? Tell me that.
- Don’t make me work for the information. I don’t have time to search on the internet for your book to figure out if it’s self-published or traditionally published. If you don’t tell me, I will delete the email.
- Don’t tell me your backstory unless it’s pertinent to your qualifications to write a nonfiction book.
LOSING PITCH EXAMPLE
My name is ____ and I wrote a book of poems for kids (or really anyone that loves funny, quippy poems. Think along the lines of Where the Sidewalk Ends). I am trying to get my name and book out there and would love it if you would be interested in reviewing my book or interviewing me. I have been working in the animation industry for over 15 years and I love bringing a smile and laugh to someone through art. I have attached a copy of my book for your reference to read. You can get a hold of me through email, gmail or calling or texting ###. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
LOSING PITCH EXAMPLE
Hi Michelle,
I guess you’ll update your NATURE Picture books section this spring. My husband and I have been doing story based outdoor programming for 20 years (Nature’s Theater) We really get how STORY captures kids’ imaginations. If you would consider adding a book from a small publishing operation to your recommendations – we’d be happy to ship you a hard cover to read. Themes of Collaboration and Little can do big things get kids excited. (A 6 year old did all the character drawings) We’ve been reading it to Kindergarten and 1st grade classes with rapt interest. Thanks for taking the time!
So many things are wrong with these pitches, right?!
I get no information on either person’s book!
If you want to grab my free Pitch Perfect worksheet of tips, grab it here.
You can do this — good luck!
