Write Your Pitch in 30 Minutes
Go from “I don’t know what to pitch” to “oh crap I just sent that to my favorite publication” in this 60 minute workshop.
You’ll find out what magazine, newspaper, and online publication editors are looking for, how to come up with sellable story ideas, and you’ll start a pitch during the class.
Plus, you’ll get to ask any questions, work out new ideas, and get live feedback.
Usually, pitching is a pain. But not in this workshop.
All for the price of: FREE!
“I wasn't expecting to feel so empowered by the workshop, but it really helped lift my confidence and shake off my severe imposter syndrome.”
-Alex McHale
“It helped me so much! I was able to get over my roadblocks. I realized that I had so many story ideas and found many outlets that I could possibly pitch to simply because I was encouraged by Amber to think differently about writing and the time I had for it.”
- Jaclyn Roessel
In this 60 Minute Workshop, you’ll find out…
Types of ideas editors are looking for (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be the “greatest thing ever,” it could be about canned wines or Footloose and still sell)
How to format a pitch (and how to avoid editor pet peeves)
Real editor pitch requests (so you can write it up during the workshop and pitch before the class is over)
Time to start your pitch in class (just show up, keep typing, and you’ll have something to send)
A resource with over 250 paying places that take pitches (that you can keep forever)
Live feedback - not only will I give feedback during the workshop, you’ll also get a chance to email me your pitch and get personalized feedback on your work
All your questions answered - Curious where to pitch? How much places pay? Where I got my cool glasses? I’ll answer anything during the Q&A
A recording of the workshop - Whether Steven Spielberg calls to hire you for a new screenplay or your kid decides to throw up everywhere, if something comes up, you’ll get a recording of the workshop. That way you can write along in your own time.
Here’s what other happy students said from previous workshops…
“This workshop helped me start a piece I’d been thinking about starting for months. I loved the exercises and having the support of the group. Amber’s kind, down to earth approach alleviated any anxiety I felt about producing work.” - Elizabeth Reynolds
“I loved Amber’s gentle, kind, but matter-of-fact energy-- I felt like I was getting writing advice from someone who's been in the world of freelance writing and has a lot of wisdom to pass on. It felt more practical than other freelance writing advice I've had and I love that she gave feedback on everyone’s work.” - Kelsey O’Brien
“Because of her wonderful encouragement, Amber inspired me to pitch a story to Insider about how my husband and I became AirBnB superhosts. Based on her advice, I didn't overthink it and sent it off. The editor wrote back immediately with interest and I just signed the contract!” - Hilary Hattenbach
Students sold stories to Insider, Scary Mommy, Huffington Post, and more - from pitches that started at my free workshop.
Ready for your next byline?
Wait, who’s teaching this?
Hello, my name is Amber Petty and I’m a writer for the New York Times, Thrillist, Greatist, Bustle, MTV, IFC, and a bunch more (including Snooki’s blog, are you jealous?).
Plus, I help creatives get into freelance writing and my students have appeared in Vulture, Vox, Insider, Huffington Post, Polygon, McSweeney’s, and a whole ton more.
When I started freelance writing 8 years ago, I didn’t know pitching was a thing. The idea that you could reach out to an editor and say “here’s my idea, money please!!!!” seemed nuts.
Thankfully, I got over my pitching fears, sold more stories, made more money, and got to write about British TV for the New York Times (from a completely cold pitch).
Though pitching seems time consuming, annoying, and occasionally like screaming into a void, I’ll show you the simple things that take your pitches from “meh” to “here’s my money, please write this.”
The best part? It’s really not that hard! With some tips to get through pitching imposter syndrome and how to use your “dumbest” ideas (your ideas aren’t dumb, but the point will make sense in the workshop), you’ll be able to write a pitch in 30 minutes long after this workshop is done.
“Very personable, funny, and honest delivery. Lots of free webinars/courses spend a long time telling you what the problems/hurdles are and reinforcing what you would like to accomplish without actually telling you how to do that. However, this workshop had loads of specific, actionable information, and Amber made us believe that we could succeed.
- Joanne M.
FAQs About Write Your Pitch in 30 Minutes
When is the workshop?
There are 5 dates (pick the one that works best for you):
Tuesday Sept 12th at 10am PT/ 1pm ET/ 6pm BST
Thursday Sept 14th at 4pm PT/ 7pm ET/ Midnight BST
Friday Sept 15th at Noon PT/ 3pm ET/ 8pm BST
Saturday Sept 16th at 11am PT/ 2pm ET/ 7pm BST
Monday Sept 19th at 9am PT/ Noon ET/ 5pm BST
Where is the workshop?
On Zoom! You’ll get email reminders and you can keep your camera off (or fully rock PJs and a glass of wine, live your life).
Is this good for novel, TV, or film pitches?
No. You could come and use the 30 minutes for whatever pitch you like, but I’ve never sold a novel, TV show, or screenplay, so I wouldn’t have anything helpful to say. This is best for non-fiction stories, the kinds of ideas you’d see in Insider, Huffington Post, Bustle, Vox, Eater, and places like that.
How much does this cost?
It’s free! You’ll get training, resources, and time set aside to write for the cost of nothing.
Do I have to be there live?
That would be great, but there will be a recording if you can’t make it.
If I’m writing a pitch in 30 minutes, why is the workshop 60 minutes?
The workshop will have a portion at the top to show you how to craft a pitch, we’ll do a quick exercise to generate ideas, then you’ll get 10 minutes to write. After that, I’ll go through any questions, give feedback on some of the ideas, and tell you about a way to keep working with me.
So you don’t literally get 30 minutes to do your pitch in the workshop, but you’ll learn how to write your pitch in half an hour.
How do I sign up?
Click the button below for the date/time you prefer, enter your name and email, and voila! You’re in!
Are you going to use my information for anything weird?
No! I’ll email you with reminders, recaps, and links to the lives. If you tire of my emails, you can unsubscribe at any time.
I have a question that’s not here. What can I do?
You can email me! Email amber@amberpetty.com and I’ll answer anything!