Thread by @FaylitaHicks

The Hood Chick's Guide to Pitching: A Thread.

For those without access to mentors, MFA programs, or community.

So you wanna get paid to tell other people your opinions? Dope. You should do it. Really.

DaTings #1: Stop feeling like you're not good enough or not ready because you don't have any "pro" experience. Today is the first day of your freelance career. Let's go.

DaTings #2: Watch & Learn.

Like an article or essay you just read? Great! Look up the writer on social media and follow them! Check out the list of other places they've published. Check their friend's list! You'll find a slew of editors and other freelancers there.

Network building is critical to your success as a freelancer. And I don't mean rubbing elbows with fancy peeps. By connecting with working writers & their editors/publications, you will give yourself a better chance overall by learning about what the market is looking for (cont.)

which makes your pitch that much stronger! So follow dem! My black femme go-to writers who are making my heart sing rn: @DaLyahJ @YesAurielle @bawthewriteher @iSmashFizzle @BritniDWrites @taylorcrumpton @jbakernyc (on & on)

You can follow these writers & check their friend's list for editors that may post open calls for pitches. I've seen several editors do a whole thread about what they look for in pitches including @lillydancyger @apapertrail @annabroges @IndraniNY @freeblackgirl (on & on)

DaTings #3: Read the directions. Follow the directions. Don't suck.

Every publication has instructions for pitches and essay submissions. Read them. Don't try to be cool and do something different. Respect their time & their jobs by sticking to the guidelines.

Yes, that means that you won't be able to copy and paste your pitch. So be it. You want your first impression to be the best one--so don't mess it up by ignoring the instructions. It's the fastest way to get a rejection.

DaTings #4: Hook Em'.

Your hook can be either a suggested title for your pitch or 1-2 sentences. Make it good. Make it schmexy. Give them as much information about who, what, when, where, and how here. Be concise. Be clear. Be focused.i

DaTings #5: Give em' the heat.

In 1-2 paragraphs (unless otherwise noted in their instructions) summarize the piece you are pitching. Give them the surprise ending. Tell them why it's important and perfect for THEIR publication. Get specific.

DaTings #6: Link Up.

If you have other publications that are similar to the piece you are submitting, awesome. If you don't, that's okay too. Just be honest if they ask for links. If they don't ask for links or previous pubs, just act like you pitch all the time & leave it out.

Confidence is key here. Just remember, your favorite writer had to start somewhere. Keep an eye out for opportunities that are specifically for new and emerging writers. Don't let your fear keep you from pressing send.

DaTings #7: Sit down.

It could take anywhere from 1 day to 3 months to hear back from some publications. The bigger and more popular the publication, the longer it takes to hear back. Several publications take up to 6 months. Don't rush them. Just pick your submissions wisely.

By reading the guidelines, you can determine what the turn around time is for pitches and what the pubs current needs are. This is why networking is important. If you're on Twitter daily, you can see a pitch call a lot sooner than if you only visited a pub's site once a month.

I think I'm gonna end this here today. I didn't go into too much detail on any one of these points but I hope this gives you a good place to start. Freelance writing definitely requires a lot of time & research. I'm still learning and nowhere near as great at it as I want to be.

Some peeps you need to follow if you want to know what's happening in the world of freelance/writing/+more : @WritersofColor @jackjoneslitart @blkcreatives @creativecap @submittable @WomenWhoSubmit @wellreadblkgirl @BlackFreelance1 @poetswritersinc (Add to this list!)

Some peeps you need to follow just cause they always have words of wisdom: @kima_jones @maggiesmithpoet @ClintSmithIII @ericsmithrocks @DVpit_ @toddedillard @eveewing @ava @NifMuhammad @ErikaLSanchez @jamiattenberg @JaneFriedman

Some places that offer workshops for freelancers who want to learn how to pitch better: @CatapultStory @WritingCoop @WritersDigest @MillayCol

Feel free to add to this list! Good luck!

I completely forgot to mention new pubs looking for writers— @clrblq @GayTheMagazine @zoramag — and pubs open to pitches rn @Narratively @CatapultStory @lithub @HuffPost @VQR @medium +more. Feel free to add to this list!

Working on an in-depth article version of this for you guys!

Read a more in-depth look at the first five points of the guide in Part 1 of the "Hood Chick's Guide To" Series on @Medium ! It includes more examples and more notes!

link.medium.com/wOxaLjtS1X

If you didn’t know, my debut collection of poetry #HoodWitch will be released Oct. 15 with @acre_books.

You can donate on Cash App at $FaylitaHicks if you like but I’d really dig some reviews, some pre-sale orders, and some retweets.

Available at @indiebound +more

#peacebe