5 Ways NOT to Pitch Me in 2023.
Freelancer Etiquette, Please and Thank you!
There’s nothing like waking up to fresh PR pitch emails first thing in the morning.
It means the year is young, and the ideas are grooving toward new product launches and new experts ready to put themselves out there. YAY!
I have to say that I’m actually amused to receive pitch emails. Sure, they can be weird and odd, but some are really interesting too. And many actually materialize in an exclusive - a writer’s joy - or a mention - PR heaven.
The trouble is that I get so many pitch emails, mixed in with assignments and real life, that I’m not going to read them all - ever. Many I hold onto to “search” later, in case a related story comes up belatedly. (Actually, this happens more than most think!)
But, for the sake of transparency, there are a few ways NOT to pitch me this year. And it’s best we just rip off the band-aid.
Here we go…
Don’t misspell my name. Seriously, it’s not an identity thing. I just find it annoying and lazy. Cut and paste, sheesh. Unless your pitch or product is exceptionally good, I’m going to delete the email - on sight.
Don’t ask me what’s on my editorial calendar this year. I’m not a publisher or editor. Now I feel guilty that I don’t have one! I’m a freelancer. I have general plans, but I’m a fast and loose kinda girl. Just spit out your idea - I’m listening!
Photo by Chris Ainsworth on Unsplash Don’t email me 3 times asking if I got your email. Just get Copper and you’ll know if I did or didn’t. A second-time refresh, however, is most welcome!
When responding to a query in HARO or QWOTED, don’t email me with a bio to ask if I want a response from you or a represented talent. I prefer you just respond with the answers to my questions and let me see what words of wisdom you bring. My pieces require very specific types of experts, but what they say actually matters more than who they are. Make that one email count and gimme the deets from the get-go!
Don’t require me to hop on a phone call to finish the story. I love a good embargo, but many times these entail getting on a call with a spokesperson for an interview. Nine and a half times out of ten, the timing is terrible because it’s not driven by my availability. Email Q&A is great in a pinch, which I often am.
If you have a story, source, or product launch to pitch, fill out my contact sheet on nafeesahallen.com - let’s keep the convo going!