In the space of just three hours, Toby Moses, deputy opinion editor at the Guardian, will teach you everything from how to write the perfect pitch email to an editor, to how to increase your chances of getting recommissioned.
Toby will use his vast reserves of experience and enthusiasm to demystify the whole process of communicating with commissioning editors, enabling you to spend less time fretting over your pitches – and more time writing.
Course content
The opportunities for new voices to emerge
Different article formats: comment pieces, features and news stories
Turning your idea into a pitch email
How to research different publications and tailor your proposal
The essential elements of a good pitch document
Advice on making your proposal intriguing and persuasive
The three questions all good pitches must answer
Best practice for contacting commissioning editors
How to sell your idea – and yourself
Tips on how to improve your chances of getting recommissioned
Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid
Practical exercises, including a session where you write your own pitch during class
Q&A: a fantastic opportunity to pick the brains of a former Guardian commissioning editor
This course is for you if…
You’re a freelance journalist who wants to improve your chances of getting more commissions.
You write a blog and want advice on how to get published in traditional media.
You’re an aspiring journalist who is new to pitching, or has encountered multiple rejections for your ideas.
You work for an NGO, lobby group or similar and want to submit pieces to editors to promote a cause that’s important to you.
Tutor profile
Toby Moses is the deputy opinion editor at the Guardian, and has worked at the Observer, the Guardian, the Times and the Main on Sunday since 2005, across opinion, lifestyle, features, technology and sport.
Details
Date: Monday 20 January 2020
Times: Evening course, 6.30pm-9.30pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £99 plus £5.11 booking fee
Event capacity: 36
Complimentary refreshments included.
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