For those of you who don’t know, my name is Lauren Tharp and I was the Be A Freelance Blogger official Community Helper for quite a while. (And I’m trying my very best to not let my moderate amount of power go to my head…)
Basically, I helped answer comments and questions on the blog and social media, and I was in charge of guest posts/writers for the blog. That’s right: I’m the one who made sure your guest post got uploaded into the BAFB backend, didn’t have any typos or weird grammatical errors, included your author bio and appropriate links, and was otherwise magnificent. 🙂
I was also the person you had to pitch your ideas to.
Yeah…
Anyone who wanted to write for Be A Freelance Blogger had to write to me first with their pitch. From there, I made the decision to reject your query outright or send you along to Sophie (the gal you really have to impress). I was the first gatekeeper.
I loved my job. But sometimes it made me a little sad. Out of all the writers who pitch, only 10-15% of them actually made it to the next step. I had to reject a lot of pitches.
Here’s why:
9 Reasons Your Guest Post Pitch Got Rejected
1. YOU DIDN’T FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES!
Wrote this one in all caps because —yes!— I am yelling at you. Also, it’s just that darn important. Never underestimate the importance of following a blog editor’s guidelines.
Some publications will want you to send in your entire post right off the bat, others will require various phases of outlining before you’re invited to send in your first draft. How do you know what they expect? Read their instructions!
Can’t find the guidelines? You’re a writer. Researching your work is part of what you do. Go out there and do the digging to get the information you need to succeed.
2. You included far too many “samples” of your work.
Including a sample or two of your work isn’t a bad thing… if they’re relevant to the topic at hand. Don’t share a white paper you wrote for a copywriting client if you’re pitching a fun article on “20 New Ways to Eat Cheese.”
Don’t give us your entire portfolio. Just show us what your writing style is like; especially if it meshes well with our own. And, please, if possible, share your samples as links rather than attachments.
3. Your e-mail was intensely poorly-written or confusing.
You don’t need to speak/write in perfect English. We understand that everyone has to start somewhere and many emerging writers are ESL. That said, you do have to be able to write well enough to communicate your ideas without us scratching our heads.
There’s a big difference between a minor grammatical/language error and the bigger “what the heck is this person saying?” head-stumper.
Bottom line: If you have a solid idea and can communicate it to us, we let the little stuff slide–if you can’t do that, you’re going to get rejected.
4. Your style didn’t mesh.
Don’t write in a highly-technical style to a casual, slightly sassy blog. Best way to avoid style issues? Read the publication you’re attempting to write for.
5. You called me “Sir.”
Let me say one thing right off the bat: I have no problem with being thought of as a man. Men are great. Not to mention I had short hair for 22 years, I’m wide-jawed, and my fabulous boobs didn’t decide to show up until I was nearly out of high school. I’m used to being mistaken for a dude. The gender mis-identification is neither here nor there for me.
That said, when a potential guest poster writes to me with “Dear Sir” as their opening line… I know they weren’t paying attention.
If your opening line is already making me think “Oh no… I’m going to have to reject this person, aren’t I?” that’s not a good sign!
It’s not necessarily the kiss of death for your pitch; however, you never want an editor to go into your pitch with a negative mindset. And, while I like to continue reading to see if the rest of your query checks out, many other editors won’t. (The biggest bloggers/magazines tend to look for any reason to say “no” as there are just too darn many writers all vying for the same slots–don’t let their excuse for rejecting you be your greeting; that’s just silly).
6. Your idea was too generic.
If you write in saying you’d like to write about blogging, but don’t explain what aspect of blogging or what unique perception you will bring to the table… you’re going to get rejected.
This is your time to shine! Be unique. Be specific. Be you.
7. You were too mysterious.
Who the heck are you? You don’t have to tell us your life story, but it’d be nice to hear your elevator speech. Let us know who you are, what you do, and why you’re the perfect writer for the blog!
8. You gave me déjà vu.
Sometimes I’ll think, “Wait. Didn’t I just see this post?”
If you send in an outline based on an article that’s already on the site, you’re going to get rejected.
Send in fresh ideas! Day old bread is cheap for a reason: It’s not as valuable. No one wants it. Same goes for moldy old blog post ideas. It was great when it was new — now it’s time for a fresh batch!
9. You have no idea what guest posting is.
I’ve had several people write in thinking they were applying for a job.
Guest blogging is wonderful, but it’s definitely not the same as a traditional career. (Unless you’re specifically told otherwise by the publication).
In the case of BAFB, each post is accepted on a one-time basis with the invitation to write more as the want/need arises. It’s not a permanent position. But you’d know that if you read the guidelines.
7 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Getting Accepted
1. FOLLOW. THE. GUIDELINES.
Seriously.
No matter what blog you choose to write for, follow their instructions precisely. And never assume that all blogs have the same guidelines (they don’t!).
2. Wait before nudging us.
It can take up to a week to reply to a potential guest poster. Please be patient.
I only had one guest poster end up in the Spam folder. And I always checked, each time I logged in for work.
If you addressed your pitch correctly, we got it. (And this goes for every publication/editor, not just BAFB).
3. Provide a killer headline.
And if you can provide sub-headers and sidebars–even better. Basically, the easier you make it for us to visualize your article as a reality, the more likely it will be a reality.
4. Share your sources.
What research have you done? Got any cool quotes? We don’t expect you to give it all up in the pitch (please don’t), but it’d be nice to have that subtle hint that you know what research is and that your article is going to have value.
5. Don’t make assumptions.
Longtime guest posters still send in pitches like they’re newbies. And that’s the way it should be. The process goes a little faster for them because we already know they’re good, but we still need to know what they’re planning.
I also worked as a columnist for The Writer’s Bucket List and every month I have to pitch my ideas to Dana Sitar before I could write them up. And that’s perfectly normal.
Even if you’re a guest posting “regular,” never assume your guest post will be automatically accepted. Everyone has to pitch, always.
6. Be nice.
Guest posting is a privilege, not a right. You’re not entitled to anything. We don’t take crappy treatment from clients who pay us, so why would we stand for it from you? Be nice.
7. Have a great idea.
In the end, it’s all about the bottom line. If you have a truly great “oh my God we must have this on the site!” guest post pitch… You’re going to be ushered toward the next step: Sending in your first draft.
Just make sure you proofread your writing before you turn anything in. 😉
For 6 additional tips on how to construct a perfect query/pitch e-mail, check out my article “Q is for Querying.”
Ready to Pitch Your Guest Post?
Great!
If you’d like to pitch a guest post for Be A Freelance Blogger, check out the guidelines HERE and follow the instructions accordingly. We look forward to reading your outline! 🙂
Don’t want to write for BAFB? That’s okay too!
There are plenty of other blogs out there who are willing to pay you for your writing expertise! I recommend downloading a FREE copy of Sophie Lizard’s Ultimate List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs. It contains over 500 blogs that pay guest posters $50 or more.
Just remember: No matter where you end up pitching… FOLLOW THEIR GUIDELINES!!
Image: bluemoon197511
I am the 10% – whoop whoop! LOL Thanks for the post Zotz. Yes, I sometimes call you Zotz. Is that okay? 🙂
It’s true! You are one of the few. (Hey, that rhymes!).
And, please… “Zotz” is my father. Call me “Little Zotz.” 😉
http://littlezotz.com/what-does-littlezotz-mean/
Little Zotz it is!
Here’s my pitch for the contest!
Title: “Social Media and Comments: What Editors Expect After Publication”
* Whether a freelance blogging gig includes promoting the published post and responding to comments, as well as writing posts, isn’t always clear. Bloggers need to know how to check an editor’s expectations.
* Planning for that extra work should be a standard part of setting your rates, but you ned to know how to set those rates.
* Both social media and comments can come with problems. Freelance bloggers should have personal policies of how to handle trolls and the like, as well as know what the policies are of any site that they’re working with.
* I have a few editors who expect social media promotion from freelancers as well as a few who don’t who would all be willing to weigh in.
I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else pitches!
Looks good, Thursday! 🙂
Get The F**k Out of Your Own Way!
This article will discuss the how we can get in our own way to becoming successful as a paid blogger.
* Fear – How we over analyze the competition so much that we don’t produce results.
*Excuses – There are a MILLION excuses why you are not making enough money as a blogger, but there is one REASON why others are.
* Solution – How to get out of your own way by using time management skills, believing in yourself and put that “pity me” effort into pitching, pitch, pitch and submit, submit, submit, then enjoy!
Looks good so far, Jennifer! But, I’d love to see you expand a little on the “Excuses” section. Are you going to be providing examples of particular excuses…? Are you going to be providing specific solutions for each excuse and/or fear or are you providing an overall general solution that works for everything?
Again, love the idea, but I’m doing a little double-check that you’ll have enough material for the 700+ word minimum. 😉
Ahhhh yes, Lauren…double checking is always good 🙂 and I probably hit the 700 mark in this response…lol.
I am going to provide specific solutions to each fear and excuse. I plan to list five fears and 10 excuses, then I will provide an overall solution to the entire article in my conclusion (closing statement).
Here are a couple of excuse & solution examples :
(Just for you Lauren)
1) My pitches keep getting rejected, so I am going to give up!
Why would you give up? Don’t throw yourself a pity party and give up! This is a great time to reflect. Look over the pitches that worked, what was working in that pitch, what was not? Did you include a call to action? Take the time to research the blog guidelines and don’t take it so personal, there are a lot of reasons why pitches get rejected. I suggest reading Lauren Tharp’s “Why Your Guest Post Keep Getting Rejected”. She gives great insight, coming from an insiders point of view, lists reasons why she and most people do reject a pitch.
2) “I am too long winded, I write too much…”
I personally have this issue, but with blogging it can be good, because you need to reach the minimum amount of words, do not go over the max, but you get paid more for a longer, more detailed article.
Simple solution – Read your article out loud, does the article flow? Have you found yourself repeating the same point? Tighten up your focus, take out the things that are not really needed (I know this is hard, because every point is valid, but you will run over the max amount of words if you don’t), edit and submit.
Here’s my Title: Writing Contests- 5 Reasons why you should participate in them.
*This post is going to discuss success stories that came about as a result of winning or loosing contests.
*It will highlight what you stand to gain if you win as well as what you would gained if you were to lose or not win.
*Case studies will be picked from this particular contest and others like the blogging challenge held by Bamidele Onibalusi, who is a blogger.
Hey, Aisha! This sounds interesting; however, I’d like to hear more about how you’re going to make it relate to freelance blogging. Since BAFB is pretty tightly-niched, all of the articles have to relate to freelance bloggers/blogging in some way.
Lauren, I love this article! These tips are great, and they make a good check list. I love the idea of a guest posting contest, too. I’ve always thought it would be an amazing opportunity to write for Be a Freelance Blogger, but your calendar has always been full! Here’s my idea for an article:
Title: 5 Ways to Rock Your Guest Post After They Approve Your Pitch
Subheadings:
1. Stick to the Plan (In other words, write only about what you and the blog owner agreed upon.)
2. Follow The Blog’s Format
3. Use Examples and Resources
4. Show Your Authority and Personality
5. Interact With Readers After It’s Published (Some tips under this subheading include promoting your post and leaving replies to comments.)
Why this article rocks: I’ve read tons of articles about how to get your guest pitch accepted. Don’t get me wrong, these articles offer great tips, especially those on this blog such as “The Perfect Pitch Email to Get Your Guest Post Accepted” and “5 Easy Ways to Get More Blogging Pitches Accepted.” However, I rarely see people write about what to do AFTER your pitch is accepted. This article is great for this blog because it looks at guest posting from a new angle and teaches guest bloggers how to rock even after their guest pitch has been accepted.
Here’s just one sample of my work: http://thewritingrealm.com/2013/10/21/5-guaranteed-ways-to-add-value-to-your-content/
About me: I’ve been freelance writing for three years and blogging for two, and I’ve guest blogged on sites like TheWritePractice.com and Community.Copypress.com. I love writing about writing and giving tips, and I think this article will offer excellent advice for people looking to create quality content as a guest blogger.
This contest is such a great idea, and I look forward to reading the post that wins!
Hi, Alicia!
Ah, yes. Flattering me. Always a good way to start the pitch! 😉 (Just kidding — happy you liked the article!).
One thing I will say: I LOVE that you mentioned articles actually published ON Be A Freelance Blogger!
This is a fantastic pitch. Great job!
Also (for the future), you can pitch article ideas to us ANY time. Publication just may be a ways into the future. 😉 For instance, my first guest post here (“The Simple Secret to Beating Impostor Syndrome”) was accepted in early May and then published in mid-August.
Great to know. Thank you!
Warning: This Guest Post Contains Grammar
– Reasons why grammar should be important to bloggers
– Ways bloggers can pick up quick and easy grammar tips: websites and books
– Courses they can take for more training
Jodie,
I personally love your pitch. I adore the title, it made me laugh. You have a great sense of humor!
Thanks
Hey, Jodie!
I, like Jennifer, was very amused by your title. 🙂
Provided you do this well, this post could be amazing. And very helpful! Many of the readers here — and the readers on my own blog — have asked about grammar tips.
Five Easy Ways to Escape Analysis-Paralysis As a New Freelance Writer
*Analysis Paralysis isn’t just a catchy Wheel of Fortune-worthy phrase; it’s a condition that affects many new freelance writers. With the wealth of information available to start-ups writers today, it’s easy to get stuck in “research mode” instead of actually taking the leap.
*Not all analysis is bad–a good survey of the freelance lifestyle is fundamental to a successful career. Just look out for the “danger signs” of analysis paralysis, like the moment when the how-to books leave no desk space for your notepad.
*Is Analysis Paralysis a quagmire from which a writer can never escape? Of course not. There are plenty of simple systems and quick tips to getting moving again. One example would be setting goals with words like “pitch,” “write,” or “connect” instead of “identify,” “research,” or “learn.” This goes beyond the typical “measurable goals” and describes “actionable goals.”
*This article could have more or less than five solutions if desired by editor.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Alexandra
I like your title. The catchy rhyme to it makes me want to read it and learn more about the Analysis-Paralysis condition.
Thanks, Alicia! It’s a term we used to throw around in high school. It’s stuck with me this long.
Hey, Alexandra!
Great pitch. 🙂 I love how thorough you were with it.
With many of the guest posters, I have to say “Please send a more-detailed outline” before giving them the final “Please send a first draft” (or “No, thank you”). But, with this, I’d skip straight to “Please send a first draft.” So that’s awesome.
Wow, great to hear! And to think, I almost didn’t send anything in. I’ve had a great time reading the other entries and your responses. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Congrats! I can’t wait to read this when it’s published. I am so suck on reasearching I can forget to include the actions after it.
Congrats to everyone who won and those who didn’t…love all the pitch ideas and hope to read them all somewhere very soon.
Blogging and Dating
(This post will talk about how dating is similar to blogging)
*Dating Do’s that apply to Blogging
*Dating Don’ts that apply to Blogging
*How the above points will bring you to an “Exclusively Dating Stage” or Breakup with your client
Thanks for the great contests Lauren and Sophie!
Hey, Joy!
Right now, your pitch is making me think of this post from September: http://beafreelanceblogger.com/love-freelance-writing/
Would you mind providing a slightly more-detailed outline? Maybe mention a couple of the “do’s” and “don’t’s” you intend to cover…?
Hi Lauren, here’s my more-detalied outline. 🙂
*Dating Do’s that apply to Blogging
Be Consistent – Define how to be consistent in blogging. Site an example based on my personal experience.
Be Authentic – Writing topics that are against your personal values in exchange for money is a no, no. (An example based on my experience).
Flirt – Explore angles for more solid posts, and how to find that angle.
*Dating Don’ts that apply to Blogging
-Cheating (Plagiarism and other writing mortal sins.)
-Too fast (too “sales-y”) What are the Call to Actions that can be a turn off.
Ah! haha. I like that. 🙂
With moderate power comes moderate responsibility.
Sorry but I couldn’t help but alter that Spiderman quote!
And I’m also happy to be part of the “10%”, which I personally think is 10x as catchy as the 1% issue :P.
By the way, my pitch is slowly winding it’s way through the neurons of my brain, and I can feel my freelance writer sense tingling!
The reference was actually to a Kids in the Hall skit (linked!), but I appreciate the modified Spider-Man quotes. 😉
And your last post was great, Daryl. If you can come up with a new one in the next 2 hours and 40 minutes, you should definitely throw your hat into the ring! (Even if you miss the deadline, you should still give us a pitch in the future).
Hi Lauren,
Here is my idea for a guest post (I’ve written before for Be a Freelance Blogger and had planned to send this idea in so this contest is a great motivator to get this off my to do list!)
Headline: When it’s ok to say no
This blog would look at something many of us freelancers (myself especially) have a difficult time doing: saying no to an assignment. The blog would provide some reasons when it’s OK to say no (you have a bad feeling about the job, you already have too much on your plate, the money isn’t worth it) as well as explain why some of us feel compelled to never utter that little two-lettered word, whether it’s fear of never getting another offer, worry that we’re going to disappoint someone, etc.
This is a topic I wrestle a lot with and I think it’s one that would resonate with a lot of other freelance writers. Please let me know what you and Sophie think about it.
Thanks again for putting the contest offer out there and getting me to move on this.
Hey, MaryBeth!
Your post – http://beafreelanceblogger.com/feast-famine-planning/ – is one of my all-time favorites. 🙂
As for your new idea, it reminds me a bit of a post I wrote a couple months ago: http://littlezotz.com/2013/08/n-is-for-no/
It’d be interesting to see your take on the topic. It’s certainly one that many bloggers (and freelancers in general) struggle with.
Hi Lauren,
The most important part to get clients isn’t getting traffic, it’s converting the traffic into paid clients.
I’m thinking of a post titled:
“The Shocking Truth about Getting High-Paying Clients Through Your Blog”
Here are outlines:
– You don’t need a lot of traffic.
– You need to market yourself right on your blog.
Here’s how:
1. Write epic posts.
2. Hire Me/Services page
3. Appearances matter, also for your client.
If you’d like to know more about my writing, check out these 3 guest posts:
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2013/09/11/how-jon-morrow-crafted-the-most-popular-post/
http://www.trafficgenerationcafe.com/viral-content/
http://basicblogtips.com/design-blunders.html
Hope to know what do you think.
Regards,
Ahmed Safwan
Thanks, Ahmed!
Title: How To Get Access and Rock Every Event For Coverage
Readers will learn:
* How to prepare a media pass request – There’s always a right and wrong way to do things. This is business, not pleasure, so format is always important. This would include research on the hosts, special DJ, or past events that you can reference.
* Resources to create professional looking press pass for cheap – It’s amazing what FEDEX can do nowadays! With a click of the mouse, you can create press passes that can compete with the “big boys”. Own your blogger status and wear it proud!
* What or who to bring to the event? – Some items are not so obvious, and will make sure that you have a backup to the backup. Once you say you’re going to this “hot party”, everyone will want to get on the list. I’ll include top characteristics of the person you want to bring.
* Tips to conduct impromptu interviews without seeming like a boring business reporter – Events vary, so you will want to match the atmosphere, and know how to navigate.
* How to continue nurturing relationships with event planners and new contacts? – Don’t just stick those business cards in a drawer! I’ll give ways to stay in touch without being annoying or a burden.
Why I can write this? Event Coverage = Increase credibility as a blogger. I’ve attended events from draft parties with top athletes, fashion shows, and celebrity charity events, and I always get asked, “How did you get in?”. I don’t have a person on the inside to these events, just good old fashioned research, and ultimately “the ask”. It’s not that hard, trust me!
Niya – I would be very interested to read this article.
I’m loving this idea, Niya! I don’t go to as many live events as I used to, but, back when I did, editors would just kinda…throw their writers into the deep end! I had to figure out most of the “how to get in” and “how to conduct interviews” stuff on my own and that was TOUGH! It’d be great to save future generations of bloggers & online reporters the bother. 🙂
Great, thanks!! I had no one to show me, so I learned by trial and error, and missed opportunities!
This is definitely an article I would read. I write for a local publication and, even though we’re small, my editor is of no help when it comes to interviews or event coverage. I’ve been winging it!
This blog post was great Lauren and really timely for me! I’ve been spending my holiday time getting my ideas and pitches together. One blog article I planned on pitching to you before I even learned about the contest was:
What Fashion Blogging Can Teach You About Freelance Writing
Writers comes from all walks of life but what I don’t see often are stories from style bloggers (like me!) who have made writing their full time career. We’re not all as self-absorbed as people may think we are and a lot of us are making serious business moves. So I wanted to give my take on freelance blogging and what skills you need to make this career happen.
Here’s a quick outline:
* Being Creative is a Habit – you have to be able to give a fresh spin to the topics covered in your niche. You need to flex those creative muscles on a daily basis to keep your work up to date and valuable to your clients.
*Being Authentic – trying to be someone you’re not can turn off clients. Being yourself goes a long way in creating lasting relationships (which can turn into more client referrals)
*Thinking Ahead – The same way that fashion bloggers have to prepare their summer stories in the winter, writers always have to work on their marketing and look for new revenue streams, even if things are going well.
*How to Sell Yourself – Style bloggers know how to sell their clothes and writers need to know how to sell their writing to get the attention of editors.
A little about me: I’ve been a style blogger for four years writing for my own blog as well as writing regularly for Yahoo! Shine. Besides beauty and fashion, I also give my readers tips on being better bloggers. Here are two samples of my work:
http://getfiercestyle.com/2013/10/23/want-to-go-pro-4-things-you-need-to-do-first/
http://blackgirlsblogging.com/post/52380571096/five-reasons-why-bloggers-need-editorial-calendars
Thanks so much for this opportunity!
Great pitch, Margaret! You’re right: I see a ton of job posts for fashion bloggers, but I never see any posts actually written by one! It’d be interesting to get that perspective.
The tips you’ve outlined in your pitch also apply to magazine writing. 😉
The Shocking Truth About Rejection
Acceptance is a basic human need. So as a freelance blogger how do you deal with repeated rejection without rejecting yourself?
* Expect Rejection – When we were teaching our son to ride his bike, my husband started by teaching him how to fall, sticking out his legs to catch himself. We knew he would fall; it’s a natural part of learning. As a writer, you will be rejected, but it doesn’t mean you won’t succeed.
* Practice Makes Perfect – Jia Jiang set out to be rejected 100 days in a row. What did he learn? That even the act of rejection can have an impact. If someone is rejecting your writing, they are thinking about your ideas.
*Use Rejection to your Advantage- Rejection does not need to be that thing in the dark that we fear. If we shine some light on it, suddenly rejection is a normal household item, something we can use to make our life better. It is a means of feedback, which we can use as we see fit to help hone our skills.
With rejection we are offered the opportunity to exercise perseverance, which will fortify and improve not only the quality of our writing, but also the quality of ourselves.
Thanks!
Jenni
Love it, Jenni! Are we not all children at heart? We should all learn how to “fall” gracefully as writers.
The only thing I’m not totally on board with is the proposed title – “The Shocking Truth About Rejection.” What was the shocking part? I almost like your second line better (about facing rejection without rejecting yourself). But that’s just my initial impression — maybe the finished draft will be more shocking. 😉
I agree Lauren. “Facing Rejection Without Rejecting Yourself” is a great title 🙂
This contest is officially over!
Sophie and I will be meeting soon to determine the winner. 😀
Great job, Everyone!!
Damn! I was about to pitch…Oh well, I’ll just pitch the usual way later:)
I want to say these contests are awesome, and I had a blast reading everyone’s suggestions for this one. Though I don’t have a favorite among the ideas, my favorite title is: Jodie’s Warning: This Post Contains Grammar:):)
Great post, Lauren:)
If you’re @zoeyclark then I think I remember your guest post from back in October… You’ve gotten through once so we know you’ve got what it takes. 😉 Definitely pitch to us again in the future, contest or not!
Glad you liked the post.
Yes, Lauren, that’s me:) Thanks for the lovely reply:)
Thought so. You tried to fool me by changing your avatar, but I’m a swift one. hehe!
OK, this was one of the toughest contests to judge but we’ve narrowed it down to one winner of a $100 guest posting opportunity:
Alicia Rades, please email your draft of “5 Ways to Rock Your Guest Post After They Approve Your Pitch” to lauren@beafreelanceblogger.com and you’ll receive a $100 Paypal payment when the post’s published. 🙂
We’ve also chosen 4 runners-up, whose drafts we’d love to receive for the usual payment of $50 on publication (or one of the alternative payments listed in the BAFB guest blogging guidelines). The runners-up are:
* Thursday Bram – “Social Media and Comments: What Editors Expect After Publication”
* Niya – “How To Get Access and Rock Every Event For Coverage”
* Alexandra Cannon – “Five Easy Ways to Escape Analysis Paralysis as a New Freelance Writer”
* Margaret McGriff – “What Fashion Blogging Can Teach You About Freelance Blogging”
Thank you to everyone else who entered. We can’t accept every pitch today, but we hope you’ll send more ideas our way through the usual process in future!
I love that Alicia will get to follow her own advice while writing the article–instant proof that her system works. Congrats!
Just as happy to be a runner up 🙂 I’ll send my first draft along to the provided e-mail ASAP. Just to clarify, does being a runner up mean our articles will be published? (Given it’s up to par, of course.) I read through the guest post guidelines again, but I’m still unsure of where the definitive, “Yes!” is.
Thanks!
Alex
We don’t say “definitely yes” until your draft’s 100% ready to use, but now we’ve approved your pitch we’ll work with you to get to that 100% mark. 🙂
Makes perfect sense. What a great opportunity. Off to writing!
Wow, I’m honored! I will have my post to you as soon as I can. Hopefully I’ll rock it. 🙂
Congrats! I’m excited to read your article.
Jenni
So awesome to be a runner up! And I just finished reviewing my draft so I’ll be sending it your way. 😉
Got it. 🙂 You’ve got mail!
Yay! I’m so excited!
Can’t wait to read your draft, Thursday! 🙂
Loved your work on FreelanceSwitch, by the way. I was sad when they took everything down.
Just so everyone knows: At this time, I work here at BAFB at the beginning and end of each work week (Mon/Thur or Tues/Fri usually). So, if you send me your drafts over the weekend, I won’t see it until the next work day.
Congrats to all the winners! This was a tough one to judge, for sure!!
Thanks for sharing your schedule. I’ve just submitted my first draft 🙂
Got it! Will be replying to you shortly. 🙂
Thank you so much for this post, Lauren! I’m so glad that I read this before I sent my pitch. 🙂 This post is not only helpful but it is also freaking funny. 🙂 Who knew that a guide for pitching a guest post could be so entertaining? Okay, I’m off to tweaking my pitch.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Irene! 🙂
If you’re interested, I wrote a follow-up to this post (with screencaps from my BAFB inbox!) on my own website: http://littlezotz.com/2014/05/how-not-to-get-your-guest-post-published/
Thanks, Lauren! I will definitely take a look. 🙂
What is the world coming to?
Writing is a method of communication. I say this just in case anyone has forgotten the real reason why human beings learn to write! Also, in Europe and the USA we have freedom of speech. Your list of do’s and don’t ‘s could have come from a politically controlled country.
I am sure, however, that this was not mean’ t to come over in this manner.
I grew up in an era when writing was considered a beautiful method of communication. I also grew up in the country where English originated. Until now I enjoyed reading your website because even at the age of seventy and a great deal of writing later, I still felt that I could learn something from the younger generation. However, your website has me rethinking this assumption. If this way of writing and communicating with the public satisfies the US Americans, so be it. I have other options.
Writing is a beautiful method of communication and artistic expression. And you’re more than welcome to write whatever suits your fancy on your own blog, in letters to your friends, or in your personal diary. No one is censoring or stifling the writing you do in your own time.
However, if you want to write for pay — or for someone else’s publication! — you have to follow the rules.
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t walk into the kitchen at a restaurant and start cooking up the meals you make at home, would you? The chef would be pretty angry! (And rightly so!). It wouldn’t matter that you “love food” or “cook all the time at home,” you’ve entered into a professional environment and you have to earn the right to be there.
Not to mention, without publication guidelines, this blog would be a mess! Do you know how many people write into BAFB each month asking if they can write an article about guitars? Or fashion? If we said, “Why, yes, writer-with-no-regard-to-niche-relevance, of course you can write that article! Good for you for communicating your interests through writing!” then Be A Freelance Blogger would quickly devolve into Be A Whatever (We Don’t Care).
Think I’m being a hardass? I am. With good reason.
Keep writing. Keep communicating. But, if you want to get published, follow the editor’s guidelines.
Actually laughed out loud at “Be a Whatever (We Don’t Care)”. 😀 But yep, what Lauren said — publications have guidelines to avoid chaos.
Also, if there’s a country where the laws include “be nice” and “have original ideas”, I’d like to move there.
Hi Lauren Tharp,
You have mentioned very useful valid paint here. These tips are very much needed for me to know why my guest post rejected I need to my blog(s). I am using one of the tip now. Thank you so much for the information. Now a days guest blogging is the popular method for link building also relationship with other bloggers.
Hi, Ataur!
Which one of the tips are you using? 🙂
Thanks for reading!
I just want to say that as a newbie freelancer, reading these pitches and Lauren’s critiques of them is very helpful!
There are tons of articles out there about how to pitch, but never any specific examples.
So thanks!
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Marliss! 🙂
Hey Lauren!
I’m totally guilty of #2! I often feel the need to over convince people lol. Thanks for all the great reminders!
If you write in stating you want to write about blogging but do not clarify what aspect of blogging or what particular perception you’ll bring to the table you are going to get rejected. Time for you to showcase your blog is pitching abilities in a real-life conflict deathmatch pitch session along with your fellow freelance writers, to get an opportunity to win significant prizes.