How To Pitch A Feature

A feature is perhaps the most ambitious thing you can pitch as a freelancer. As such, you should be prepared for some back and forth with your editor prior to them accepting the pitch. Features tend to range from 1,000 to 4,000 words, but could always be longer. Here are some tips on how to pitch a feature article:

• Check the editor’s guidelines. You want to be sure that the editor is open to features. Also, take a look at the outlet’s past coverage. Does your idea for a story fit? For instance, you shouldn’t be pitching a feature on a food scene, if the outlet doesn’t cover food. 

• Confirm sources. Ideally, you will want to have the sources confirmed prior to pitching. You can always get more sources throughout the reporting process. But you should come to the editor with a firm idea of who you’d like to speak to and why. Another thing to consider is whether you’re going to reach out to expert sources. Expert sources weigh in on a topic, rather than provide a firsthand account. Academics, authors who have written extensively about the topic, and watchdog groups, all fall into the category of expert sources (unless they are directly involved within the story). 

• Emphasize the relevance. A feature article can be quite expansive. Unlike a 500-1000 word article, you have a chance to dive into a topic. You should try your best to peg your feature to some broader discourse. Even if the proposed topic is niche, it should still be grounded with an issue that’s generally of interest.

• Propose type of coverage/scope. Do you want to visit a location for the coverage? Do you intend on conducting your interviews remotely? Will this take months or weeks?
• Propose a word count.

• Proofread.
• Follow up in 7 – 10 business days.