How do you pitch an opinion piece to a journalist?

There are countless ways to approach the press: you can share newsworthy facts or send out press releases. But have you ever thought about an opinion piece in the newspaper? Every day, journalists face a plethora of news, but they can’t cover all angles - and that's where you come in! Journalists are constantly looking for fresh perspectives, but can only discover them when you actively share them. I will be happy to teach you how to highlight your opinion piece.
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By Herlinde Rollez
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Choose a topical and relevant angle

A powerful opinion piece starts with a clear and topical theme. The topic should be relevant to readers and tie in with an ongoing discussion or current event. Make sure your point of view is sharp, specific and clear. Taking this approach will make your opinion piece more compelling, increasing the chances it catches an editor’s attention.

Pick up the phone

Although e-mail is the most common method of communication, a personal phone call makes all the difference. Call a journalist and present your idea in a brief manner. Respond to current events and be concise, but make sure you generate interest. Don't spoil everything straight away, but stimulate curiosity. By engaging in a conversation, you often get valuable feedback that will help you refine your piece further.

Write a catchy pitch

Your pitch is just as important as the opinion piece itself, or maybe even more so. Editors receive submissions constantly, so your pitch should stand out. Keep it short and sweet, and make it immediately clear why your topic is newsworthy. If necessary, include some facts or figures to support the relevance of your topic.

Respect journalistic practice

Journalists often have crowded inboxes and work to tight deadlines. If you don’t receive an immediate response after your pitch, try to remain patient and politely follow up with a short reminder. If your post doesn’t get posted, then don't take it personally - it could be a timing issue. Keep offering relevant topics and maintain a good relationship with the editor.

By choosing a clear, topical angle, making personal contact and keeping your opinion piece as valuable and sincere as possible, you increase your odds of being published. In this way, you not only give journalists an interesting story, but also position yourself as an expert within your field.

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