5 rules for pitching your content to editors

Before you can start building relationships with editors at your favorite online publications, it’s important to learn how to pitch your content—and yourself.

Here are a few key elements of effective email pitches that will start you off on the right foot:

1. Use a descriptive subject line.

If a publication accepts guest posts, its editor probably receives hundreds of pitches each week, and the first part of the pitch she sees is the subject line. So keep it short, compelling and accurate. An email with a subject line that tells the editor what to expect and gives her an idea of the article’s content is one she’ll want to open.

2. Start with a friendly, personal introduction.

Addressing the editor by name shows that you care enough about the relationship to take the time to research her and get her name right. Feel free to get personable and ask how her week is going or throw in a friendly greeting. After addressing the editor, briefly introduce yourself, your company, and why you’re contacting her