pitch-a-journalist

name	pitch-a-journalist
category	write
description	Research and write a focused media pitch with relevant evidence and sources. Use when a timely story genuinely fits a journalist's current coverage and a respectful, non-bulk approach is appropriate.

pitch-a-journalist

Offer a useful story lead, not a demand for coverage.

Procedure

1. Confirm the story is true, public or authorized for pitching, timely, and supported by available sources.
2. Read the journalist's recent relevant work and current role from public professional sources.
3. State the specific fit between this story and that coverage without generic praise.
4. Write a concise subject line that describes the news rather than teasing it.
5. Open with the event, finding, access, or tension and why it matters now to their audience.
6. Supply two to four verifiable facts with source links, dates, limitations, and attributable experts.
7. Offer relevant interviews, data, demonstration, images, or documents with permissions and availability.
8. State embargo or exclusivity terms only when explicitly agreed; otherwise avoid implied restrictions.
9. Close with one low-friction response and accurate contact details.
10. Fact-check, send through a public preferred channel, log the outreach, and limit follow-up.

Guardrails

• Never invent personalization, urgency, access, evidence, or exclusivity.
• Do not mass-send hidden recipients or repeatedly contact someone who declined.
• Protect confidential sources, personal data, and unreleased security details.
• Coverage is editorially independent; do not promise favorable treatment or payment unless clearly labeled as sponsorship through proper channels.

Done

• A pitch draft links the story to recent relevant coverage
• Facts, sources, permissions, and availability are verified
• Contact preference and prior outreach are checked
• Send and follow-up limits are recorded