Free media pitch template.
A pitch email to one journalist, about one story, in under 200 words: subject line, why them, the story, what you can offer, one clear ask, and a single follow-up. A note on each part and a filled-in example. Free, no sign-up.
What is inside
- 01
Subject line
The story in about 6 to 10 words, not your company name.
- 02
Greeting
Their first name, spelled right.
- 03
Why them
One sentence on a recent piece of theirs and how your story connects.
- 04
The story
What happened, the number that makes it news, and why now.
- 05
Why their readers care
One sentence about the reader, not about you.
- 06
What you can offer
An interview, data, a customer to speak to, images.
- 07
The ask
One question that is easy to say yes to.
- 08
Signature
Name, role, direct phone and a media kit link.
- 09
Follow-up
One, about a week later, with something new. Then stop.
Free download
Download the media pitch template
No sign-up and no email: the files download straight away.
Link your media kit in the signature, and keep a press release ready for the journalist who says yes. Artists: pitch with your EPK.
How to use the template
Pick one journalist who has written about your subject recently, and write the pitch for them alone: their name, a piece of theirs, and why your story belongs next to it. Keep it short. In Muck Rack’s State of Journalism 2026 survey of nearly 1,100 journalists, 69% said they prefer pitches under 200 words. The filled-in example is about 170.
Put the pitch in the body of the email, link to images and your media kit rather than attaching them, and send it from a named person who will answer the same day.
Subject lines and follow-ups
The subject line decides whether the email is opened, so give it the story and the number: "Pilot data: dental clinics refilled 62% of same-day cancellations" beats "Fernhill Labs launches Chairside". Use "Exclusive" or "Embargoed" only when it is true.
Follow up once, about a week later, in the same thread, with something new: a fresh number, a date or an image. If there is still no answer, the story was not right for them this time; pitch the next journalist instead.
When a pitch is not enough
A pitch asks a journalist to choose your story, and most pitches are not picked up. When you need coverage you can count on, Our PR & Media Placements service writes an editorial feature about you or your company from a short brief, with your name in the headline, and you approve every word before it goes live. It costs $249 for one publication, $499 for three and $999 for eight, with no retainer, and on the titles marked Guaranteed · 24h on our PR page the approved feature is live within 24 hours of your approval (business days) or you get a full refund. Features are sponsored content, labelled as such, as our disclaimer states.
Frequently asked.
How long should a media pitch be?
Under 200 words. In Muck Rack’s State of Journalism 2026 survey, 69% of journalists said they prefer pitches under 200 words.
What should a pitch email include?
A subject line with the story, the journalist’s name, one line on why you chose them, the story and its number, why their readers care, what you can offer, one clear ask and your contact details.
Should I attach a press release to a pitch?
No. Put the pitch in the body of the email and link to your press release, images and media kit from a page that needs no login.
How many times should I follow up?
Once, about a week later, in the same thread, with something new. Then move on to another journalist.
Is the template really free?
Yes. The Word file, the PDF guide and the example download straight away, with no sign-up and no email.
Get your story published.
An editorial feature about you or your company, from $249. Live within 24 hours of your approval on any publication we list, or your money back.