WHAT IS A PITCH LETTER?
|
Posted By: Pam Perry on December 14, 2008 A pitch letter is a brief correspondence that is designed to provide specific story ideas to journalists in hopes of sparking their interest in the topic you are proposing or promoting. For instance, if you have a cooking book, you might send a pitch letter to the editor of your local paper’s food section pitching a story idea on the top 5 foods we should never eat. That angle is intriguing enough to make the reporter want more. Your pitch letter would briefly outline those foods, and then you might offer to set up an interview with you and highlight some healthy and easy alternatives for families to consider. Again, the key with a pitch letter is to create interest in the mind o f the reporter or producer. Make them say, “wow, that would be a great story!” Whenever you send pitch letters, you should be prepared to follow up with the journalist to gauge their interest in the story. Also keep in mind that your letter should be no more than one page in length. It can also be accompanied by a well-organized press kit, which can include a bio positioning you as an expert, a press release and copies of other articles or been featured about you or your book. (this validates media you, shows depth of knowledge and shows that others have shown interest in the story.) The press kit can also include show ideas or a talking points sheet that gives the journalist a few potential questions to ask you should they decide to interview you. SEE? Make their job easy!!! Realize they are on constant deadlines and have little time me to dig through a stack of papers to find out who the guest was and what they are talking about. See the Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. website (press kits) to see the “one-sheeters” that I use. They work! A VERY BRIEF NOTE ON PRESS KITS Few people know how to use them effectively and if your press kit is poorly done, it could do wind up working against you rather than for you—in fact, a bad press kit can very easily wind up in the garbage and that means no press for you! As a publicist and a producer, I have seen a ton of press kits. Occasionally, I would receive a press kit that was useful and informative, but more often, the kits were too wordy, poorly organized, self-serving and just plain bad! If you decide to add a press kit to your arsenal of media relations tools keep this in mind: Journalists usually operate on a second by second basis and are constantly on deadline. The last thing they need is a 20-page, badly done press kit to wade through! Make sure your press kit only contains information that is absolutely essential. INSIDER SECRET: Use e-Press Kits (EPK) instead. These days, many people are opting to create electronic press kits made available for download on their websites. This is cost-efficient and convenient because it eliminates postage costs and journalists have the option of downloading the information in it if they really want it. Just be sure to inform the journalist in your pitch letter or press release that they can get more info by going to your website. Go to www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com and hit "Press kit 24/7" to see how their EPK system works. It's great. Also go to: http://www.authorpresskit.net if you would like a great EPK. They will hook you up! Go to: www.PamPerryPRcoach.com If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Pam Perry
Social Media Strategist, Ministry Marketing Solutions Wayne St Univ class of 1983 Member Since July 2008 |
Comments
 |
Hi Pam, You just continue to amaze me and I know that you are God-sent! I attended your workshop at the RAWSISTAZ-Affair online Conference and I cannot wait to take advantage of your services. You have already given me great advice about my website, too. I sincerely thank you for that...it paid off!:) You deliver great information in a very easily understood style! God bless you for your dedication. Agnes B. Levine Author of: "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206 Winter 2008 Release Pending www.myspace.com/coolingwellwater (Subscribe Now) Sunday, December 14th 2008 at 9:11AM |
 |
Thanks Pam this is great info
Monday, December 15th 2008 at 3:06PM |
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 41 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 80 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 67 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 63 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 55 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,794,975 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,062 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,254 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,356 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
