What to Do When You Don’t Feel Like Pitching

Answer: Keep pitching anyway!
 
I’ve turned my attitude around when it comes to pitching. I used to dread it. Pitching would sit at the bottom of my to-do list (and we all know that no one ever finishes everything on their to-do list). But lately something has changed and I’ve been pitching with a new-found passion.
 
Why? Results.
 
Putting myself on a schedule, with pitches going out on a particular day each week, I’ve landed new writing gigs. Now, since I’ve gotten myself in a bit of a rhythm, the query process is beginning to feel smooth (yes, still beginning, I have a long way to go).

I also think it helps I’m having more fun with my pitches. I’m writing about topics that interest me and I'm contacting blogs and publications I already read. I can read an article, think of it from another angle, pitch it, and…voilà! New project.
 
Plus, editors want to work with people who want the work. If you put time into your query, and make it clear you are familiar with their publication or organization, it makes it clear you are ambitious. You are the kind of writer who, when given an assignment, will provide the copy they need.
 
How did I get myself to do this? I’ll be honest, I wanted to increase my writing revenue. My income from freelance gigs has been pretty stagnant the last couple of years. I’m grateful for the work I have, but I knew filling up my schedule was up to me.
 
Here’s my process:

• Think of an idea.
• Prewrite the article, essentially a rough draft.
• Let it sit and brew.
• Come back to it, tighten as pitch.
• Send it off!

How about you? How have you increased your writing revenue?

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