In today’s fast-paced media landscape, the choice of format for storytelling is more important than ever. Whether it’s a feature article, a newsletter, a photo or video feature, a visual essay, or a podcast, each medium comes with its own set of rules and audience expectations that must be considered. The decision on how to deliver a story goes beyond showcasing skills; it directly impacts how the reporting is received, shared, and remembered.
Feature articles are a staple for freelancers, and effective pitching for them involves highlighting the story’s relevance and timeliness. Madeleine Schwartz, founder and editor-in-chief of The Dial, emphasizes the importance of a clear angle, new information, and addressing existing problems in a pitch. Preliminary research, a solid action plan, and relevant bylines can add credibility to a proposal.
Newsletters require pitches that capture a unique personality to stand out in a crowded inbox. Cadence Bambenek, editor-in-chief of Hothouse, suggests being concise and aligning with the publication’s tone. Including links to previous works that demonstrate a similar style can also be beneficial. Breaking down extensive narratives into serialized versions can help engage readers.
For visual stories, Nina Berman, a documentary photographer and journalism professor, stresses the need for a clear vision and logistical planning. Visual essays, as explained by Caitlyn Ralph from The Pudding, dissect complex topics into various outputs that words alone cannot achieve. Demonstrating how visual elements can enhance the narrative is key to landing a commission.
Podcasts require engaging stories that keep listeners hooked episode after episode. Rowena Henley, a producer at Mags Creative, suggests focusing on finding incredible stories with distinct beginnings, middles, and ends, along with twists and turns. Providing a working title, elevator pitch, breakdown of episodes, and access to sources can strengthen a podcast pitch. Attention to sound effects and why the story suits an audio format is crucial.
In conclusion, choosing the right format for a story is essential in today’s media landscape. Each medium has its own requirements and audience expectations that must be considered when pitching a story. By tailoring pitches to different mediums and following the advice of experts in the field, journalists can increase their chances of getting their stories published and reaching a wider audience.
