Freelance Article Pitches That Got Accepted

September 21, 2023

In this updated freelance writing tips blog post on magazine article pitch examples, I’m sharing the article pitch template I use in my emails when I pitch magazine editors and freelance clients article ideas. Here are some article pitch examples that worked after I sent them to editors, got their feedback on the pitch, and the final results that turned into successful freelance assignments.

Remember, after you review these magazine article pitch examples, here’s how to find an editor’s name to send your pitch to, and check out these reasons why an editor didn’t respond to your freelance pitch.

You might be wondering which outlets you should spend time writing article pitches for and the types of freelance writing you should start with. I suggest starting with these best freelance writing niches of 2023.

Freelance Article Pitch Examples That Sold

Learn how to write freelance article pitches that work with the following article pitch examples. (Get more article pitch examples when you subscribe to my weekly freelance writing newsletter.)

Article Pitch Example: For Potential New Brand Freelance Writing Client

SUBJECT LINE: Intro to experienced content marketing writer and magazine writer

EMAIL BODY COPY:

Hi [EDITOR NAME],

I hope this email finds you well. Congratulations to your team on the first-place win in the #ConV2X competition.

I wanted to introduce myself and inquire about whether Happify uses freelance writers. I’m a content marketing writer with an editorial background somewhat similar to yours at magazines and websites, writing for magazines, websites and content marketing clients since 2006. My focus has been on health, weight loss, and wellness but I particularly enjoy reading about and reporting on psychology topics.

My clients include Headspace, Nike, Oribe, Noom, Alex and Ani, Pfizer, Walgreens, Walmart, CVS and more.

You can see what clients and editors have said about me on my clients page as well as samples of work on my website. I have also included a few relevant clips below.

I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully working with you in the near future.

Best,

Diana Kelly Levey

[INCLUDED RELEVANT CLIPS]

Why this freelance article pitch for a freelance client worked:

• My subject line let them know that this was an introductory email to a writer
• I included something relevant about the company to show that I was following them and their news.
• I had links to my clients and named some big brands they’d recognize in the email. (Don’t stress if you don’t have many clients and big names to drop: Here’s how to find freelance writing jobs for beginners.)
• I included article examples I wrote for previous clients that were similar to the content they feature on their website. This shows that I already know how to write content in their niche. 

(PSST! You’ll get over 100 tips on why certain freelance pitches worked in my guide 20+ Freelance Pitches That Sold) 

EDITOR’S RESPONSE:

Hi Diana,

Thanks for reaching out! We do work with freelance writers, and I was impressed with your clips. We’re always looking for consumer-friendly articles that help our 3 million+ users improve their emotional health and well-being, whether that means dealing with loneliness, improving relationships, boosting self-compassion, sleeping better, or setting meaningful goals, among many other topics. What is your rate?

Best,

EDITOR

THE FREELANCE ARTICLE PITCH THAT GOT ASSIGNED

[From Diana]

“Could CBT Solve Your Sleep Problems?”

A recent study on inmates found that completing just one hour of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-1) session was effective in preventing the development of chronic insomnia in 73 percent of prisoners. After one month of the treatment, the prisoners reported a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Granted, you probably don’t have the same sleep stressors and life concerns a prisoner faces that may interfere with sleep, but that doesn’t mean the average adult should dismiss this therapy. A 2015 study had found that a one-hour cognitive behavioral therapy session led to a 60 percent reduction in insomnia symptoms in the general population.

I just finished editing a 100-page magazine on Sleep for a client and found that many sleep experts suggested CBT to help with a number of sleep issues besides insomnia, from helping seniors deal with sleep problems, to sleep apnea, people who have chronic pain and sleep, anxiety, and more.

I’d like to write an article covering how CBT may be the answer to readers’ sleep problems and how it can improve their overall mental health.

Why this freelance article pitch worked:

• I included a timely study hook.
• I mentioned another study that would support the article’s concept.
• This article pitch example showed that I had experience covering the subject matter.

EDITOR’S RESPONSE

Hi Diana,

Great to hear from you! We actually use a fair number of CBT exercises in our 4-week sleep track on Happify, and you’re right, there’s a great deal of research around CBT as an effective way to treat insomnia as well as occasional sleep problems. Let’s explore this one further!

Would 12/18 work as a deadline?

FINAL LIVE ARTICLE:

Could CBT Solve Your Sleep Problems?

Get more editorial pitch example ideas:

“I can’t thank you enough for getting me on the right track with regard to pitching, specifically within my niche. In the past, I’ve purchased books on writing query letters and LOIs, subscribed to newsletters, online communities and classes, and read about pitching in general, but nothing clicked. However, since I began following you and subscribed to your newsletter in these past few weeks, it all clicked. The way you present, explain the hows and why’s, teach, and share actual templates, your method makes all the difference! Just know that you’re the QUEEN of your craft!” -Arnita Williams, customer who purchased a PDF pitch packet

Customers who’ve used the freelance article pitch examples in my pitching PDF and the principles behind them have gone on to write for Glamour, Women’s Health, Muscle & Fitness, Well + Good, Food Network, Equinox, Oxygen, and more.

Should you try freelancing on fiverr? Is fiverr worth it?

What’s in a Winning Article Pitch?

This freelance writer’s process for writing an editorial article pitch that editors want to read and assign includes these components:

• Timeliness: Why this, why now?
• Suggested headlines: Make sure the headline is in the subject line or high up in the pitch. It should be written in the style of the headlines that the publication uses.
• Who and what will be in the article: Will you interview experts? Will you cite recent studies? Will you interview an author of an upcoming book? Whomever you tell the editor that you’ll include, make sure you have  or can get access to them for the freelance assignment.
• Why it’s the perfect article pitch for them: Make sure the pitch shows that you’ve  done your homework and know their brand. Add in some freelance pitch copy that lets them know how this solve’s their audience’s problems.
• Why YOU should write it: Give the editor a brief background about you and why you would be the BEST freelance writer to work on this particular article.
• Similar article examples (freelance clips) if you have them: Include a few relevant links so the editor can see your writing style.
• If they need to respond within a certain time. If your pitch has a timeliness around an event and you need to pitch to another outlet if you don’t hear from this one, let the editor know that. The freelance article pitch copy could be something like “Due to the timely nature of this story, I need to get a confirmation assignment as soon as possible. If I don’t hear back from you by X date, I’ll assume you aren’t interested and send the pitch to my second choice.” I’d also change your subject line to something like “timely pitch.”

Tags: article ideas, freelance pitches that worked, freelance rates, freelance writing course, freelancing, how to make more money, magazine editors, magazines, making six figures freelancing, online course, pitches, six figure income, time management, work from home, writing tips

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