The 10 best pubs to pitch, based on science

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Hi freelance friends,

A new subscriber recently wrote to say he'd like to learn "how to move to bigger publications." He has some clips that show off his music writing, but wants to take the leap from niche outlets to, you know, the big guys.

I have one piece of simple — yet scary — advice: Pitch them. You don't need to wait for permission, or for a requisite number of years freelancing, or for some sign from the heavens. Just send a pitch.

The first time I pitched the New York Times, I thought there was no way I'd get a response. But I had a story I thought would be a fit, so I figured "What the hell?" I looked up an editor and sent him a pitch, just like I would with a local magazine no one's heard of. To my surprise, he replied. And then he assigned me the story. You could've sliced my imposter syndrome with a knife.

I got really lucky, of course. But the point is: Editors at big outlets need stories, too. And though they might have an email address with a fancy ending, they are just like any other editor. So send a pitch that's engaging and relevant, and that's perfect for their pub. They might just say yes.

If you have any other tips for breaking into big pubs, please send them my way. I'll share some more in the next newsletter!

Also plz send luck my way — today I am starting a 30-day digital declutter, inspired by Cal Newport's new book. That means no social media, no email on my phone, no mindless scrolling through the news. I'll let you know if I survived next month...

Read

You are a writer. So mean it.
Redundant words to delete from your writing, via the Random House copy chief
The 10 best publications to pitch, based on info from Who Pays Writers
Expanding on last month's convo about "content" vs. "journalism" — some data about the ways journalism jobs are changing
The psychological trap of freelancing via The Cut
He killed his wife, then wrote about it (this story comes from WTP community member Tiffany R. Jansen, who had a "really positive experience" working with Narratively; seems like editor Lilly Dancyger is always seeking pitches)

Check Out

These Twitter threads from Wudan Yan and Alice Driver on starting out as a freelancer, and these ones from Jessica Price and Xavier on charging as a freelancer
This podcast about how Sarah Koenig, the genius behind Serial, gets shit done (PS. she battles imposter syndrome, too)
The Ann Friedman Weekly, one of my favorite email newsletters ever
Anna Codrea-Rado's free download: First Aid for Freelancers, a guide for the newly self-employed
When sending a potential content client a cold email, these tips might help (h/t WTP community member Laura Bosco)

Be Inspired

To great writing,
Susan

PS. You'll find past issues of this newsletter here. If you find 'em helpful, why don't you peer pressure a friend to sign up?