You’ve just found a great idea for a magazine or blog!
Now, how do you pitch this idea?
“That’s easy,” you might be thinking. “Just send your pitch to the editor.”
But finding an editor’s email address sometimes isn’t as easy as it sounds.
You will probably need to give your research skills a practice run by going on a search for an editor’s contact information.
Photo by Agnieszka Boeske on Unsplash
Here are 7 tips on how to find editors’ email addresses.
1. Know Your (Editor’s) Role.
That is, try to find out exactly which editor is actually in charge of reading freelance pitches and submissions.
Large Magazines
For example, the editor-in-chief or executive editor of a national magazine usually doesn’t review freelance pitches. If you’re pitching a larger publication, try looking for the managing editor or the articles editor.
Blogs
Blogs usually have a smaller staff, compared to national magazines. Therefore, you’re more likely to find a blog editor’s email address on the website. Look for the blog’s “About Us” or “Contact” section or page to find an email address.
2. “Can’t I just shoot an email to the publication’s listed generic email address?”
Sure, you could.
If you do this for a blog, your email is more likely to be seen by a blog editor since they have a smaller staff. But using a larger publication’s generic email address is like sending your pitch into a black hole.
Some writers and editors refer to these generic email addresses as “slush piles.” There’s only a small chance that anyone at the publication, further less an editor who can approve freelance pitches, will see your submission that you spent so much time creating for that specific publication.
3. Ask other writers.
Did you just read a great story in a magazine or blog? Notice the name of who wrote that story.
Then, do an internet search for more information about the writer.
If the writer’s email address isn’t listed below the story you read, you will probably find his/her email address on their own website/blog. Reach out to the writer and ask who to contact (and the contact editor’s email address) to pitch a story to that publication.
Also, if you’re pitching a local publication, ask local writers you know about who to contact.
You can also ask writers in any online writers’ groups that you belong to about contacting editors and publications. This is another reason why it’s important to join local and online writers’ groups, as I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts.
If you have some money to spare, you could also join a professional network of bloggers and/or writers that list editors’ information. One of the best networks is the Writer’s Market Online Directory.
4. Get Social.
Writers often ask, “What’s the point of social media? Can it really help me as a writer?” Yes, especially when it comes to trying to find the right editor to pitch your story or article.
Of the “Big 3” social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn), Twitter gets the most skepticism about whether it can help writers.
But writers can use Twitter to get noticed by editors.
How?
Follow editors on Twitter.
Begin liking, commenting and retweeting their tweets. Tweet about articles and blog posts from their publications and tag the editor, especially if that editor wrote the article/blog post.
If the editor follows you back, send them a direct message on Twitter and ask for their email address to pitch them. Mention that you searched online but couldn’t find an email address and that you want to make a personal impression.
Does the editor have a professional Facebook page (instead of just a personal page)? If so, reach out to the them, using some of the same steps for connecting via Twitter (i.e.: like their Facebook posts, leave comments, etc.).
Also, the publication’s Facebook page information might list the editor’s email address.
LinkedIn lends itself to a different approach compared to Facebook and Twitter. LinkedIn can be another way to find an editor’s email address.
But don’t try to connect to an editor on LinkedIn with a connection request or a LinkedIn direct message, since you don’t personally know the editor.
Now, if you and the editor have a mutual contact on LinkedIn, then reach out to that contact directly. Tell the contact that you want to pitch a story to the editor. Ask the contact if they know the editor and would they introduce you, or do they have the editor’s work email address.
5. Use advanced searches for email addresses.
Still having trouble finding an editor’s email address?
You could make educated guesses about the editor’s email address. For example, if you know that Mary Smith is a magazine editor, then there’s a chance that Mary’s email address could be something like msmith@magazine.com, or marysmith@magazine.com, or marys@magazine.com.
You can then use email address finder websites like Verify-Email.org, to check these email addresses.
6. Try the media press kit.
Look for the media section (or a similar section) on the magazine’s website. If the magazine has a media press kit on their website, that kit usually includes the magazine’s public relations department’s contact information. This information could also lead you to an editor’s email address.
7. Get on the phone.
Call the magazine and when someone answers, you can say, “Hi, I have a great idea for your ‘Parenting Tips’ section, and I have the assigning editor’s email address as MarySmith@magazine.com. Can you confirm?”
Most of the time, the person either confirm that email address or give you the correct email address. Or, if that’s the wrong editor to pitch a story to, the person might even tell you who to pitch instead.
Final Thoughts
Whew! This might seem like a lot of work for a simple email address. Just remember that editors are busy, but they still need a steady flow of great stories and articles for their publications.
Doing your homework and getting an editor’s email address can pay off, literally, if your article is accepted and published.
Do you think it’s easy or hard to get in touch with editors, bloggers or other writers? Please share with us in the comments below any lessons learned, questions or any other comments you have about writing.