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How to pitch to editors

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Wednesday, February 1, 2017 · 6:30 - 9:30pm GMT

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Bursting with ideas for stories, but unsure how to get them published? Don’t miss out on this fantastic journalism masterclass with Becky Gardiner. In the space of just three hours, you’ll learn everything from how to write the perfect pitch email to an editor, to how to increase your chances of getting recommissioned.

Before becoming a senior lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, Becky was the Guardian’s Comment editor. Using her vast reserves of experience and enthusiasm, she’ll demystify the whole process of communicating with commissioning editors, enabling you to spend less time fretting over your pitches – and more time writing. With a guest session from freelance writer Joanna Moorhead, plenty of practical exercises and time for questions, it’s the ideal course for writers of all levels who want to make sure their writing gets the coverage it deserves.

Course content

  • How open journalism has created opportunities for new voices to emerge
  • Different article formats – from comment pieces, to features and news stories
  • Turning your idea into a pitch email
  • How to research different publications and tailor your proposal
  • The essential elements of a good pitch document
  • Advice on making your proposal intriguing and persuasive
  • The three questions all good pitches must answer
  • Best practice for contacting commissioning editors
  • How to sell your idea – and yourself
  • Tips on how to improve your chances of getting recommissioned
  • Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid
  • Practical exercises – including a session where you write your own pitch during class
  • Q&A – a fantastic opportunity to pick the brains of a former Guardian commissioning editor

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 advice on how to get published in traditional media
  • You’re an aspiring journalist who is new to pitching, or has encountered multiple rejections for your ideas
  • You work for an NGO, lobby group or similar and want to submit pieces to editors to promote a cause that’s important to you

Tutor profile

Becky Gardiner is a senior lecturer in journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London. Before that, she worked at the Guardian – first as Women’s editor from 1998, then as Comment editor from 2010 until April 2014. During her time at the Guardian, Becky also held a number of other positions including Education editor, deputy editor of G2 and launch editor of Family.

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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