Have a great story idea that you want to pitch to freelancers?
If so, give them enough time to work with their client publications. Don’t expect to pitch, then hear from them immediately about whether they’re interested.
That’s one of the tips from freelance journalist Helen Chang, who has contributed to Time, BusinessWeek, San Francisco Chronicle and many other outlets, and whose recent digital clips include MSNBC.com.
“I need to do basic research on a story first, then come up with an angle and then pitch the editor,” she explains, outlining the typical pitching process freelancers themselves must go through. “The editor then mulls it over and ultimately gets back to me.”
Brian Pittman, who writes for Bulldog Reporter’s excellent Journalists Speak Out newsletter, interviewed her and included her other tips for working with freelancers.
The client often expects publicity to come from a non-event. You must have something that is “news worthy”. Talk to a writer up front -plan out ideas that relate to the timing of your sales calendar.
You should have relationships with the media – know the editorial calendars, so you can tie in your product or event.