How to pitch to editors

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How to pitch to editors

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Tuesday, September 2, 2014 · 6:30 - 9:30pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Make your pitches a source of success, not a source of stress

Pitching a feature often feels like casting your idea onto a roulette wheel, one that rarely even reveals what number it lands on. It's the one part of journalism every freelancer wishes they could live without, but knowing how to pitch properly is an essential skill. It doesn't matter how great your prose is, pitches have their own language, layout and etiquette that is alien to anyone outside the publishing industry. Led by experienced commissioning editor Becky Gardiner, this highly practical evening course features a series of workshops which will help you turn an idea into a completed, sellable pitch.

You'll learn how to identify the best publication for your work, how to present your work in the best possible light, and how to give an editor all the information they need to say yes. In addition, you'll discover how open journalism has created new opportunities for writers, and how to engage with them. You'll leave this masterclass with a perfectly formed email to an editor, ready to send in the morning, and a new confidence about how to go about selling future work.

This course is for you if...

  • You're a freelance journalist who wants to improve your chances of getting more commissions
  • You write a blog and want to get published in traditional media
  • You're an aspiring journalist who is new to pitching, or has encountered multiple rejections for strong ideas
  • You work for an NGO, lobby group or similar and want to submit pieces to editors to promote a cause

Course description

This practical course employs a series of exercises to help attendees turn an idea into a sellable pitch. The evening includes expert advice on what commissioning editors look for, and how to ensure your pitch delivers the information they need. Topics covered on the evening include:

  • How open journalism has created new opportunities for new voices to emerge
  • The essential elements of a good pitch document
  • How to contact commissioning editors
  • What commissioning editors want (and don't want) from different article formats
  • Turning your idea into a pitch: How a concept becomes a finalised pitch
  • Q&A with experienced freelance writer, Joanna Moorhead

Tutor profile

Becky Gardiner joined the Guardian in 1998 as Women's editor. She was Comment editor from 2010 until April this year, and has held a number of other positions including Education editor, deputy editor of G2 and launch editor of Family. Becky is currently editing the Bedside Guardian and working on special projects for the editor.

Guest speaker profile

Joanna Moorhead is a freelance writer. She works mostly for the Guardian, where she writes regularly for the Family section on issues such as parenting and family life. Joanna also contributes to a range of other outlets including the Independent and Independent on Sunday, Good Housekeeping magazine, YOU magazine and Mumsnet. She has four children and enjoys the arts and travelling for her work. Read Joanna's Guardian articles here.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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