On July 18, Charlie Fink of Forbes and Elizabeth de Luna of Mashable. The panelists discussed the importance of story-based pitches with clear hooks, how not to bury the lead and the value of category experts, particularly in niche industries. Scroll down for 3 key highlights for pitching journalists covering consumer tech and register here to watch the recording.
Both Charlie and Elizabeth emphasized: "Don't bury the lead - you have 1-2 sentences max to get my attention; that's it." This approach helps to avoid hyperbole and provides a clear and concise overview of the pitch's key message.
Charlie Fink recommends crafting pitches by working backwards from the headline, ensuring that the main point and hook are immediately evident. By focusing on the core value proposition and explaining why the pitch is relevant, writers can effectively engage recipients like Charlie Fink and increase the likelihood of a positive response.
Charlie noted that most Forbes contributors won't take an exclusive, and his role is significantly different from Elizabeth's. Charlie writes for Forbes as a hobby and is a seasoned expert in extended reality. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is a legitimate reporter who has a responsibility to confirm that what she's writing is true.
Register to watch the recording. Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted questions! Happy pitching, everyone!