At OnePitch, we believe that the key to successful media outreach starts with understanding...
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Each month, we host journalists on our virtual event series, called Pitch Palooza's, which are exclusive, live pitch review sessions for the OnePitch community. Our journalist guests share real-time feedback on PR pitches and talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how to craft pitches that actually land coverage.
Our community members, also called The Pitch Posse, get priority access to these events (and the ability to submit pitches for review), plus ongoing support, expert advice, and insider tips to refine their pitching game. Want in? Join the Pitch Posse today to connect with a community of PR pros dedicated to smarter, more strategic media outreach.
We’ve been lucky to host incredible journalists in past Pitch Paloozas, including reporters and editors from Fast Company, TechCrunch, Forbes, and more. Each session brings unique perspectives from different beats, helping PR pros tailor their approach for various industries.
Our latest Pitch Palooza was a masterclass in effective media outreach, featuring Cherlynn Low, Deputy Editor at Engadget. With nearly a decade of experience covering consumer tech, Cherlynn shared invaluable insights into what makes a pitch stand out—and what sends it straight to the archives.
Here are the key takeaways:
1. Subject Lines Matter
First impressions count, and your subject line can make or break whether an editor even opens your email. Cherlynn’s advice:
- Be specific and avoid vague terms like "AI innovation.”
- Emojis are eye-catching, but don't overdo it.
- Only include brand names if they’re widely recognized.
- Keywords like “embargo” and “exclusive” can grab attention.
- Drop unnecessary words like "story" or "press release."
2. Inside the Editor’s Inbox
Cherlynn shared actual screenshots of her inbox, emphasizing how quickly editors assess incoming pitches. The lesson? Your pitch needs to stand out in seconds while remaining professional. Watch more below:
3. Pitch Format Best Practices
Editors don’t have time to sift through long-winded emails. Here’s how to make your pitch more effective:
- Keep paragraphs short and easy to scan.
- Use bullet points to highlight key information.
- Include relevant visuals when possible.
- Ensure a clear call-to-action (especially for review requests).
- Consider Google Suite formatting for better visibility.
Want a top journalist to review your pitch live?
Join our Pitch Posse for exclusive access to Pitch Palooza and the chance to have your pitch critiqued in real-time. Apply now by filling out the registration form below!
4. Follow Up Strategy
Following up is necessary—but there’s a fine line between persistence and spam. Cherlynn’s recommendations:
- Limit follow-ups to three attempts.
- Make each follow-up shorter than the last.
- If you get no response, end on a human note.
5. Relationships Do Matter
Perhaps the most important takeaway? Relationships matter. Cherlynn reinforced that PR pros add the most value when they build genuine connections with journalists and understand their individual preferences—something AI will never replace. Listen more below:
Pitch Paloozas aren’t just another webinar—they’re a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how top journalists think, work, and decide what’s worth covering. These sessions give PR professionals an edge by providing direct, unfiltered feedback from the people they’re pitching, making the process more effective for everyone—the journalist, the publicist, and the client. This is exactly why we do what we do at OnePitch—because when pitches are thoughtful, relevant, and well-crafted, it leads to better stories, stronger relationships, and more impactful coverage.
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Want to join OnePitch's Community?
Become a member of our Pitch Posse by filling out the registration form to submit your application!
Within this group, you can expect invites to helpful events, impactful conversations, and access to a group of PRos to bounce ideas off of and get your questions answered.
Here's more of a breakdown:
- Monthly Pitch Paloozas: Join us as we bring on top-tier journalists to review your pitches live and answer any questions you have. Previous journalists have been Mia Maguire at The Daily Beast and Terry Stanley at Adweek.
- Monthly Coffee Hours: Sit in as we bring on brilliant publicists to discuss trending topics, how-tos, and top tips. Topics we've previously discussed have been on crafting compelling pitches and how to best work with freelance journalists (from a freelancer himself).
- Weekly Office Hours: A weekly optional Zoom workshop to help with any OnePitch or PR questions.
- Exclusive Invites: Get first dibs on in-person events that we host.
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