Your pitch email isn’t competing with other pitches; it’s competing with everything else in a journalist’s inbox.

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If your message doesn’t signal value immediately, it won’t get opened, let alone answered.

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A headline-worthy pitch isn’t clever. It’s clear.

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Why Most Pitch Emails Fail

Most pitches fail for one simple reason: they’re written from the brand’s perspective, not the journalist’s.

Common mistakes include:

• Overly promotional language
• Vague subject lines
• Long intros with no payoff

What Makes a Pitch “Headline-Worthy”

A strong pitch email:

• Communicates relevance within the first sentence
• Aligns with current editorial needs
• Offers insight, not exposure

The Subject Line Is the Gatekeeper

Effective subject lines:

• Signal urgency or relevance
• Hint at insight, not hype
• Respect the journalist’s time

Think less “announcement,” more “angle.”

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The Body: Less Is More

A strong pitch body includes:

• One clear idea
• Brief context
• A simple ask

Anything extra dilutes the message.

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Why Clarity Beats Creativity

Creativity without clarity confuses. Journalists don’t want to decode your pitch; they want to quickly decide if it serves their audience.

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Rockstar Pitch Rules

• Write for the journalist, not your brand
• Lead with relevance
• Keep it short and specific

If your pitch isn’t getting opened, start with the subject line — not the follow-up.

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