How to Pitch Me
What I actually want in a pitch
A tech reporter walks through the three things that make them open an email — and the one that makes them delete it.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
How to Pitch Elliott Gotkine
1) What’s the best way to pitch you?
Email. Assuming you're not pitching me 20x a day, I will always reply. If I don't, feel free to follow up with an email. And then if I've still not been in touch, to call.
2) What’s the best time to pitch you?
Before a story becomes news! Ideal is an embargoed heads-up/exclusive. We can discuss before. If it's not of interest, I'll tell you. No best time to pitch. Worst time is Thursday evening or the weekend (Shabbat & Sunday).
3) Other than your own, which is your favorite publication to read?
The Economist; NYT; TheOnion; Daily Mail (for Sport only).
4) Who’s your favorite journalist?
David Remnick
5) What kind of stories interest you?
Amazing ones.
6) What tips would you give someone pitching you?
Keep it short and simple. Don't write poor English, or pepper your prose with errors. Avoid cliches. And don't try to pitch me about some cool new product on the eve of the Israeli election!
7) What will you never write about?
Me
8) Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Wars (though recent Star Trek films were cool).
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