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The Perfect Pitch Email to Get Your Guest Post Accepted

The Perfect Pitch Email to Get Your Guest Post Accepted

When you’re sending pitches to blogs big and small every day, it can feel like screaming into the wind. Most editors won’t even grace you with a response, and many of the ones who do offer little more than a form rejection.

Freelancing is a tough game to play.

Maybe you’re a great writer, and your pitch just needs sprucing up to catch an editor’s eye and garner that response you’re looking for: a big, fat, enthusiastic Yes!

Would-be bloggers and content creators send me emails all the time with generic guest post pitches for the DIY Writing community blog I manage, seeking links back to their website (or, more likely, to their client’s site). But every once in a while, I get a pitch that is so irresistible, that shows so much respect for the work I do, that is such a perfect fit for my community, that I can’t wait to get it on the site.

I received one of these perfect pitch emails from a WritersBucketList reader. With her permission, I’m including a copy of her message in this post to show you exactly why I loved this pitch so much.

The Perfect Pitch Email to Get Your Guest Post Accepted image

You can make every one of your pitches just as irresistible as this one, by sticking to a few principles of pitching.

Note, these tips apply whether you’re pitching for a free or paid post. In either case, the editor is looking for the same thing: a great post her readers will clamor to read!

Suck ‘Em In with a Strong Intro

Here’s the email I received, interspersed with some notes about why I love it. [I’ve changed her name and some details to protect privacy.]

Hi Dana,

[Jane Doe] here. I’m a freelance writer specializing in blog posts, press releases and web content for online businesses. You may have seen me hanging around in the Writer’s Bucket List Facebook group and commenting your blog. (BTW, thanks for creating such a wonderful writing group. I’m really happy I found your community.)

Here are the elements I adore in this intro:

  • The writer explains who she is and what she does. This helps me understand whether she’s qualified to write on the topic she’s about to pitch.
  • She mentions where we’ve been in contact in the past. Making a real connection with an editor is key! Go beyond a canned email, and show her that you are someone who matters. In this case, the writer has been part of our DIY Writing community, but this is the first time she’s reaching out directly to me. Showing she’s a member of my community also lets me know she’ll understand what my readers are looking for.
  • She compliments the work I’m doing—and means it! Meaning it is as important as saying it. Only reach out to blogs you truly respect (why would you want to be published on one you don’t, anyway?), and you won’t have to fish deep to add some genuine flattery to your pitch.

Clearly State Why You’re Writing

I know that you accept guest posts on your site, so I’m reaching out to pitch a topic that I think would resonate with your audience.

After convincing me with her intro that I should keep reading, “Jane” explains exactly why she’s writing. I cannot stress enough that you need to do this before launching into your pitch and credentials! It’s not only good manners; it also helps a busy editor get in the right mindset to read your pitch.

In addition to leading with your intention in the body of the email, also be sure to clearly state “Guest Post Pitch” in your subject line — don’t think “Hi” or “Love your site!” is a clever way to get an editor to look at your pitch. It will only lose you points for being devious and disrespectful of her time.

Jane also does something in this sentence I haven’t seen in a single other pitch: She points out that she knows I accept guest posts. That lets me know she reads my blog and has probably checked out my Contributor Guidelines already, which earns her big bonus points over the myriad pitches that come in because someone simply found the keyword “writing” on my site.

Make Them Love Your Article, and Explain Why Their Readers Will, Too

I’m planning to write an article entitled “[Suggested Title of Article]”

Here’s a quick outline of the post to give you an idea of how I plan to flesh it out…

I always recommend suggesting a title for your guest post, because it can demonstrate that you know how blogs work. If a writer pitches a title that’s better-suited for a short story than a blog — where titles need to catch the attention of both the reader and Google — that tells me she may not have a strong understanding of how to write a concise, informative, and easy-to-digest blog post.

Jane goes on from here to include a brief outline of her proposed post. Check a blog’s guest post guidelines to determine how much information they want about your post within the pitch —they all vary. (At the time this pitch came in, I requested an outline in my guidelines.) Some editors prefer a very brief email (think Five Sentences) and will request more details if they like your idea. Some prefer a detailed outline. Whatever it is, do it. Don’t disrespect the guidelines; that’s a surefire way to kill your pitch, regardless of the brilliance of your idea or skill!

Share Samples of Your Work (and Skill)

I’m also sending you a couple of links to my writing samples to give you a glimpse of how I write:

● Link to article A on Top Blog 1
● Link to article B on Top Blog 2

Links to previous work are also something I specifically requested in my guidelines, but I recommend you include these whether they ask or not. These clips let an editor know you can write; that’s a pretty top priority!

If they’re at a blog other than one you manage, they’ll also let her know that other editors have appraised and accepted your work; and that you can work within a blog’s guidelines, meet deadlines, and accept edits. If they happen to be clips at top blogs in your niche —as Jane’s are— they carry even more weight! (But don’t fret if they’re not.)

Close with a Direct Ask

Please let me know if you think the topic would be a good fit for your blog, and I’ll get right on it.

Another key that many writers miss: Close your email with a direct ask. “Would you like this article for your blog?” or “Can I send that article your way this week?” are even more to-the-point; choose words to fit your personality.

Closing by directly asking for what you want lets an editor know exactly how to respond to you.

I’ve received pitches that describe an interesting blog post but don’t explain they’re pitching a guest post. I’ve actually had to respond to some bloggers to ask, “Is this a post you’ve published somewhere and want me to share a link; or are you proposing to write a post for WritersBucketList?” Many editors won’t be so kind as to follow up; they’ll dismiss an unclear email outright.

Be Nice

Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers,
Jane

Finally, I appreciate a friendly sign-off, especially from a member of my community. Simple touches in email correspondence clue me into whether or not someone will be easy to work with. Especially if you’re hoping for a long-term relationship with an editor, that’s probably as important as your ability to write and your grasp on the subject.

The most important elements Jane showed me through her email are that she’s real and she can write for my community.

Get to know the blog you’re pitching, and develop a relationship with the audience before you pitch, and you’ll be an editor’s dream!

Image: Joe Shlabotnik

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Comments

  1. Just when I’d lost all hope that good manners, directness and
    professionalism on the web could no longer peacefully coexist,
    Dana’s post saves the day!

    So first things first: Dana, this is ROCK STAR quality!!!

    Second: Dissecting blogger tools like pitch emails and explaining
    exactly why each part is important accelerates the learning curve
    of other writers, not to mention helping them avoid the deafening
    silence of editor rejection. Every piece of the puzzle has its place,
    and Dana lays them out beautifully.

    Third: Writers like Dana who can teach what they do is
    valuable social proof that they know their business.
    As the saying goes, “The best way to learn is to teach.”

    OK, that’s enough glowing remarks for one post. I wouldn’t
    want Dana to think that she’s actually….like, GOOD at
    what she does. 🙂

    Sophie absolutely, positively must invite you back, Dana.
    Masterfully done!!!

  3. Hey Dana

    Super helpful post. Covers all those ‘obvious’ things we very often forget about in our hurry to pitch our idea. Nice one! 🙂

  4. Dana, your post made my day!

    I haven’t sent a pitch in a long time and I was kinda rusty, but your “dissection” of the perfect proposal quickly got me back to the right mindset.

    THANK YOU!

    P.S. I look forward to seeing your writers’ group open gates again in the future, because I’d LOVE to join! 🙂

    P.P.S. The illustrations on your website– did you make them?

    • I’m so happy to hear that! Best wishes for your pitches 🙂 (Doors WILL open again. Keep an eye out; we’ll be happy to have you!)

      The drawings on my website are by Ashley Perryman Quach (http://sassquach.com), who illustrated “A Writer’s Bucket List” for me — love her work!

  5. Hi Dana! Thanks so much for this post. I will definitely bookmark this one. I just got my first guest post rejection so I’m definitely sprucing up my pitch for next time. It makes do much sense but just I didn’t realize how important this is.

    Thanks again!

  6. Dana, thanks for your thoughtful, comprehensive post. If anyone reads this post and still misses the mark on how to pitch a host blogger for an opportunity, I don’t know what to say. This is a post that could be and should be printed, captured via screen shot, etc.

    Great job and I’ll have to check out your blogs in order to put my pitching skills to the test.

  7. Hey Dana,

    Your post came right on time. Today’s my send out pitches day and your post gave me that extra boost of confidence that keeps things running smoothly. By the way, I just discovered your site! Guess where I’ll be for the next hour? 🙂

    Keep up the great work, looking forward to reading more from you.

    • Dana – Great post. I have found a few jobs with relative ease, but have a hard time with sending out pitches. Thank you for breaking it down in a very understandable manner.

      Brian – I love the pitches day idea! I incorporated that today, as I did a pitch while the football game was on. Zig Ziglar said he got a lot of work done during Cowboys games because of all the time between plays. Looks like I will be joining you in making Sunday “Pitches Day”!

      • Chris, I love the idea of getting that kind of work done in downtime between plays. I like that about watching TV, too; I can relax in the evenings and watch TV, but also use commercial time to squeeze in a little extra work that only takes a few minutes of attention at a time, like pitching.

  8. This is an awesome and super useful post! Thanks Dana and Sophie. I was getting cold feet from the thought of query emails but this really helps me not be afraid. Time to go brainstorming again!

  10. That was brilliant! An excellent template for anyone who is pitching a guest post. Note to self, save to reading list to remember. Thanks, Dana.

  11. Really appreciate this blog, especially how you take it apart and discuss about why you like it. I hope to incorporate these ideas in future pitches to blogs that I am interested in writing to.

  12. Hey Dana,

    Thanks for your dissection of a great guest post pitch!

    Simple question though:

    What would you suggest for those new freelance writers who haven’t had anything accepted by editors as yet? Could they rely solely on the strength of their blog?

  13. Great question, Daryl! Yes, if you don’t have articles published by other blogs yet, use relevant samples from your blog. Link to specific articles at your blog, though; don’t just list your main URL and say “for samples of my writing…” An editor doesn’t want to browse your whole blog; she wants to know what YOU consider your best work.

    In my experience, most blog editors are fine with that, because we just want to see that you know how to write for a blog. If they’re not, you can always try again later once you have a few clips to share.

  14. Hmm. That’s all well and fine after you’ve established yourself a tiny bit by having guest posts accepted. But how do you get that first toe inside the door? Just non-stop hustling?

    I hesitate to even call myself a freelance anything because I lack current work, experience and I feel under credentialed.. especially counting in the fact that English isn’t my first language.

    Or maybe it’s just a bad day speaking. I love the concept of the post though, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable being that sugary… it would feel a bit like lying to me. But I appreciate the way you laid out all the important elements. I guess all that remains to do is actually try it out and see how things turn out! ^^

    • For new bloggers, see my response to Daryl above. I recommend you start a blog of your own (or link to samples there if you already have one). As an editor, I’m definitely weary of pitches from writers who don’t have their own blog, because that’s really the simplest way for you to get started and practice with the style and the tools.

      Also, the best advice I have if you have no clips is: Pitch! Blogging is a really flexible world, and if you forge a genuine connection and share a well-thought-out idea with an editor, it’s certainly possible to land a few (probably unpaid) guest posts to get your portfolio going. Don’t let inexperience hold you back — you can always try again!

  15. Thanks Dana for a great post and this has really helped me as I am new to freelancing and in the same boat as Daryl and Ragnar.

    I have just setup my blog for content but learning all I can being pro-active and reading great posts like this 🙂

    I would love feedback from Ragnar’s question, as Ragnar’s ask’s how do you get your foot into the doorway of your first guest post without any prove of previous writings/guest posting.

    Also after reading your reply to Daryl’s question on how to get noticed about your writing via linking to quality posts on your blog, thats sounds like a good solid direction to head, but could you share any other ways we newbies could explore to get a quest post secured?

    • Commenting can be another great way to get your foot in the door. I’ve invited commenters (with whom I already have a connection) to guest post at my blog. If you have an in-depth response to a post on a blog, leave a well-thought-out comment, and maybe follow up via email or social media to ask the blogger if she’d be open to a full post to expand on your comments.

      The key is forging a connection (networking!) before asking too much of an editor/blog manager. If I see you engaging in discussion in my community, responding intelligently to my blog posts or tweets, for example, I’ll be much more open to reading your pitch and giving your post a shot (even working with you to edit and polish if it needs work) than if you just cold-email and want me to promote you and link to your blog.

  16. Thank you so much for this Dana. I’ve avoided to any of this, which I know is a bit of a failing, but there were so many other things going on. Now that I’ve given myself a swift kick and decided that I have to start taking all of this seriously or I will never get rid of the 9-5 job, it’s come at the perfect time for me.
    Now to overcome that imposter syndrome gene and just start doing some pitching – it’s a lot less scarier to write a blog when it is yours and you aren’t worried about making a living from it 🙂
    This is really going to come in handy for me.
    Thanks again, for everything so far.

    • Even if you avoided guest posting, Kylie, you definitely targeted your efforts for what you DID put time into. A guest post at a major blog like TED is a smart way to get your foot in the door for others!

  17. Great post Dana!

    I’m bookmarking this in the–“Reference Before Pitching” section. As a newer freelance writer, I find the examples you’ve included to be invaluable.

    -Anton

  18. Thanks Dana, for such a helpful post. One of the above comments said that the pitch was ‘sugary’ but I thought it came across as friendly and a part of the writer’s personality. It’s also good to know that pitches don’t have to be overly formal. I will be coming back to this when I send off my (first!) pitches.

    • “part of the writer’s personality” is exactly right here. When you’re pitching a blog post, your voice is important. And Ragnar’s good to note that that sweetness wouldn’t be genuine for him — don’t be “sugary” if it’s not honest!

      Of course, you have to know that your voice might not be right for some blogs, so when an editor reads your pitch, it might turn her off — but that’s ok! That means your writing isn’t a fit with the blog, not that you have to write a stiffer pitch. I personally love some spunk or sweetness in pitches, because I want my writers’ personalities to shine through on my blog.

  19. Oh there was one more thing I was wondering… what do you title your email? Just “guest post submission” or something standard like that?

    • Good question — this is always tricky! For my own pitches, I usually stick to “Guest Post Pitch for [blog name here]”, because it’s to-the-point and lets the blogger know exactly what my email is about. (As opposed to a subject like, “I love your blog!”, which is deceiving when the email is actually asking for something.) I’ve had writers pitch with email subjects like, “I want to write an awesome post for your blog!”, which I like, too, if it fits your personality.

      • Cool, thanks taking the time and replying to both my questions, hopefully I wasn’t too naggy. I might actually try the “I want to write a great post for your blog!” one, because I actually do want to do that, so it’s about as straight forward and honest as you can get.
        P.S. When I said sugary, I meant that’s how it would come off coming from me if the person I sent it to knew me at all. No offense intended, I too think it was friendly in the context of it coming from a different person that I don’t know, so I’m going to assume that it would fit great with her persona.

  20. Never thought before one should be that much smart to steal a guest post chance. Dropping your offer you need to tell; what you are; how you are; why you are contacting that person, and what he will benefit from your offer. Now it ups to each one how he puts the replies of these questions into his offer email to make it happen.

  21. Dana, you’ve hit the nail on the head.

    This article covers all the crucial elements one should know about pitching bloggers for guest posts. The only thing I’ll add to it is the pitch shouldn’t be too long. An editor/blogger who sees a lengthy pitch might decide not to read it at all or put it off for a long time depending on how many emails he or she receives in a day.

    If you want a speedy response ensure the pitch is of reasonable length. 1,000+ words is a big no no. It also helps if you can get the blogger/editor’s attention by being humorous or displaying some form of wit in the first line or introductory paragraph. This immediately sparks the blogger’s attention. It also sets you apart from the many writers out there and makes the editor/blogger want to know more about you and your pitch.

    I’ll admit using wit can be tricky and I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone but if you’re used to writing humorous pieces and can start your email in a fun way without making your pitch sound cheesy or amateurish then by all means do so.

    • Haha. Yes, Eric… If your pitch is just as long or longer than your article, it probably won’t get read! 😉

      I think that if wit/humor is a part of your personality/writing style to begin with then there shouldn’t be a problem using it in your pitch. Part of the pitching process is showing the editor who YOU are.

      Forced wit isn’t very witty. If it’s not you: Don’t use it.

      Glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for commenting!

  22. Dana,
    Thanks so much for writing this. I’ve been meaning to start pitching ideas to various blogs and do more guest blogging. Your post simplified the process for me. It doesn’t feel so daunting now. I will definitely make use of this info. Thank you.

  23. Wow Dana!

    Nice piece of article, its true that Freelancing is a tough job and at the same time there are few people who comfortably make 6 figure income like Carol Tice. I too tried to pitch my articles but failed and I think I should have applied some of the principles you mentioned here. I sent a pitch but never explained them why I wrote and why there audience will like my articles. But after many trials I was hired as a regular author for a top Indian blog but I did not take the offer as I am busy with designing a website, may be I will think over it. Now that I got some more ideas from this article I will try to pitch few article idea’s again.

    When I first downloaded eBook written by Sophie, I was excited to get a list of blogs that pay. I approached few but they did not accept. Now I will try again hope some one loves or at least likes my ideas.

    Thanks for this article Dana! Love to hear more…

  24. This is a fantastically useful post! I’m gearing up to pitch some guest posts in the near future, and I’ll definitely be keeping this in mind.

    I’m also a freelance copywriter, and I’ve been wondering lately how to pitch clients for potential writing contracts, and I think this type of letter would work really well! I think it might have to be lengthened a bit, as these kinds of contracts would likely be for larger works, but this is a perfect outline to follow.

    Looking forward to your next post!

  26. Hi, Dana:

    Nothing peeves me off more than a long, rambly (is that a word?) email pitch from a would be guest blogger. But from your post above, the key points which stood to me were:

    1. Personalization – absolutely key! and makes the difference between getting your note read or discarded
    2. Article Idea – I do this on all my guest post pitches, which is to always include my proposed article idea. It seems to work for me, as I have a pretty good reply rate on my pitches. And when it’s someone pitching to me, they almost always get a reply from me with a yay! or nay! – so it works.

    I wrote about this very topic last year, link is below and it has a few additional ideas which complement your post. Feel free to have a look.

    Kindly,
    Missy

    http://g34media.com/2012/08/06/guest-post-email-pitches

  28. Hello Dana,

    I’m rather new to the real “professional” side of freelance writing. This post is really helpful. I’ve recently started promoting my site and had an idea on how but didn’t know what kind of emails work.

    It’s great how not only does this separate me from people who don’t have an idea on how to send blog pitches, but it also gives me an idea on what kind of “pitch” blog owners prefer to read in their emails; Especially since it includes a real example.

  29. Hey Dana. I’ve read this post before but came back to it since I’m pitching an idea to Write to Done. Some of these suggestions really helped me clean up my pitch. Thanks!

  30. Alicia, Thank you so much for taking the time to drop by to let us know 🙂 That means so much! Best wishes on your Write to Done pitch – drop by to share the link when you have a post published.

  31. hi dana-

    whats the best way to get in touch with decision maker on where you want to drop your guest post?

    meaning…how do i find that persons name or email?

    thanks on the fantastic post!

  32. If they don’t have a Contact page, look for Submission Guidelines, or Guest Post Guidelines; those should explain who/how to pitch.

    If you can’t find any of that information, look for the author or blog on Twitter, and reach out to introduce yourself and say, “I’d love to stop by for a guest post. Where can I send a pitch?” You can do the same with any social media, but Twitter is the best place to connect with people you don’t already know.

  33. This is really helpful! I’m currently trying to contact a person for a guest post inquiry, but I don’t know where and how to start my message. Good thing I search my problem on Google first. :))

  34. Dana,

    This could not have come at a better time. I’m just about to send a pitch and these tips will come very handy. Thank you for sharing!