Writing Coach Podcast 155: Why your pitch is too long

WCP155 Why your pitch is too long

“Is my pitch too long?” If you’re asking the question, the answer is probably yes.  The question you really need answered is not how long your pitch should be, but why your pitch is too long: You’ve generated a bunch of options without making choices about what’s most important and what to cut back on.

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“Is my pitch too long?”

If you’re asking the question, the answer is probably yes.

The question you really need answered is not how long your pitch should be, but why your pitch is too long:

1. You’ve generated a bunch of options without making choices about what’s most important and what to cut back on. You likely are leaving out some key components. This pitch may be any length, but the picture is blurry.
2. You and the editor have a very clear sense of what the story will be, but you’ve gone way beyond what’s necessary (or efficient). You’re acting as if you have the assignment in hand, or as if you’re writing on spec.
3. You haven’t done a proper copy edit. 10, 20, or 30% of your words can be trimmed to make the writing more concise.

Without addressing #1, your pitches won’t be effective. Without addressing #2, your pitches won’t be efficient. Without addressing #3, your pitches won’t be ready for the editors at your dream publications.

Listen to this episode to diagnose why your pitch is too long so that you can approach edits with maximum clarity and efficiency.

MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE

Download my free guide on how to pitch and learn the 5 proven steps to writing pitches that sell: www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch

Apply to join my small group coaching program: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com

 

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Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter.

Bootcamp alumni have used these proven pitching processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more.

We cover all the external skills to improve your pitch acceptance rate, and the internal mindset work to keep you from getting in your own way.

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🎤 Listen to more episodes of the Writing Coach Podcast here.

What should you include in a pitch to an editor?  

Check out my blueprint for writing queries that editors find irresistible. Click here to download a copy of the free eguide, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.”