Feature Story Pitch Example: Two People Doing PR Right
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a feature story pitch example to send to writers and editors. We’re going to show you the exact pitch that Amanda Lauren, co-creator of Pitch Please used to get her collaboration with ArtSugar featured in the media in just a minute.
But before we do, let’s talk about what your media pitch needs to include as well as what you can do to make pitching reporters, writers, and editors much easier in the long term.
Side note: The information in this post is perfect for business owners and influencers looking to dip their toe in the water of public relations. If you're ready to skip to the good stuff, click here to learn more about our online public relations course, Pitch, Please!
Create a pitch template
If you are cold pitching a feature story about your business, you will likely be pitching to lots of publications. So, creating a template for yourself that you will use most of the time makes it easier to copy and paste the information into multiple emails. Just keep in mind that there will be some things you may have to change, but most of the basic information will remain the same.
Here’s a quick, very basic format that can easily be applied to many feature story pitch examples.
Dear [WRITERS NAME]
Protip: make sure you spell the writer’s name correctly. It can potentially kill your pitch if you don't.
I recently read your article about [FILL IN THE SUBJECT] in [NAME OF PUBLICATION]. I thought it was very interesting because [INSERT REASON HERE].
This should only be two or three sentences. You can also write that you shared their article with a friend, etc. Try to flatter without being fake here.
On that note, I’d love for you to consider a similar feature on [YOUR BUSINESS]
Write a short paragraph about what your business is, what separates you from the competition etc.
If you have any accomplishments like a TED talk, celebrity investor, major increase in revenue, etc, you can also include that information here as well.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
You can also offer samples, high res imagery, or commentary on your topic of expertise, if applicable here.
Thank you,
YOUR NAME AND EMAIL SIGNATURE
Obviously, your words, content, etc will be different but this feature story pitch example is a good outline to start with. Then just fill in the blank spaces and specific details.
If you need more information about what it really takes to get your pitches to the next level, this aspect of PR is covered in depth in our online public relations course, Pitch, Please!
Should my feature story pitch include imagery?
This completely depends on what your business is and what you’re pitching. If you are selling a physical product, you can include imagery. You can do this in-line instead of attaching because it provides an immediate visual to accompany your words. The same rule applies to real estate agents pitching their listings or authors pitching their books.
On the other hand, if you are an expert, you probably don't need to include imagery.
Feature story pitch example
If you've read this far, congratulations! Here is the pitch:
Hi Stephanie,
I’m reaching out because I just launched a collaboration with ArtSugar that's so very Guest Of A Guest, Perfectly timed, The Hamptons Collection is a four-piece textile-on-canvas series that’s inspired by the oft-coveted enclave on the east end of Long Island New York.
While not everyone can go to the Hamptons this summer (or even leave their homes), these pieces capture the style and spirit of the famed vacation spot. Accessibly priced, these chic designs allow everyone to bring home a little bit of The Hamptons.
Better yet, all these canvases are entirely customizable with ArtSugar’s first ever option to add a monogram. Now you can get fancy with text: add up to five letters on the bottom right, offering three fun fonts, and 14 sweet hues, your art is now entirely yours.
East Hampton:
From Georgica Pond to The Palm Restaurant, the leaf design reflects the lush gardens of East Hampton while adding just a little bit of glitz.
Water Mill:
The pearl meets zebra print represents the dichotomy of the Hamptons, merging old and new. It’s stylish and fun.
Bridge:
This sophisticated toile print was inspired by the beautiful farmlands in Bridgehampton. It’s the most traditional print in the collection.
South:
Southhampton has the most charming town. Everything is perfect with a bow on top.
We are more than happy to provide high res imagery, set up an interview, etc. Additionally, we can share styling tips for gallery walls, kid's rooms, monogramming ideas, etc. There’s also the larger story of two female creators collaborating.
Thank you
Amanda Lauren
A few notes on this feature story pitch example
As you can see, I didn’t follow my exact pitch template here because it was a newly launched product. I also didn’t compliment the writer’s work because she is an editor. Furthermore, Guest Of A Guest has a lot of content about The Hamptons, so it was obvious that this pitch was a great fit.
Roundups or feature?
My line for ArtSugar was ultimately part of a product roundup as opposed to a full-on feature about the line itself. There are many reasons why it can sometimes be better for physical products to be part of a roundup. For the most part, it’s because roundups capture a broader range of interests and often more eyes. However, this completely depends on what you’re pitching.
Sometimes no can mean yes
Sometimes you will pitch one idea to a writer and they will give you media placement in something else entirely. I frequently do this for people who pitch me for Forbes coverage.
But the good news is that this can be even better. That certainly happened to Molly Borman Heymont, who enrolled in Pitch Please and learned how to pitch herself. She ended up pitching a review about her book, The Instagram Iceberg to the New York Post.
But they did not want to write a review. Instead, they asked her to write an entire op-ed! She got even more than she asked for! Not only was her article on NYPost.com, but it was also featured in print!
So, keep in mind that while you might not get exactly what you want, all publicity is good publicity (that's not just a cliche) and any yes is a major accomplishment.
Ready for a PR training that will help you explode your visibility and authority? Free Masterclass: How To Get Major Media Placement In 20 Minutes A Day.