How to convert a Pride month client into regular work
*I saw a call for Pride month pitches from a dream publication, pitched them, and got my pitch accepted! I’m over the moon and I’d love to turn this into more than a one-time thing. What’s the best way to approach this with my editor? *
Congratulations! All sorts of mainstream publications commission LGBTQ-themed content during Pride month, and thinking ahead about ways to deepen the relationship is a great way to line up repeat work.
Some of these publications are pinkwashing, using Pride month for their annual box-check of allyship with no interest in continuing to highlight LGBTQ experience–you’ve just done their “one and done” for the year. You can generally tell these outlets because there isn’t other LGBTQ-focused content published, or they won’t be open to working with you again when you follow up.
Some of these publications are open to more work that directly centers queer readers. Some have ongoing content needs and welcome writers who’ve proven themselves reliable, like you!
It’s these ones you’ll want to target for future work, and lining this up starts now by delivering quality work that suits their needs. For me, this means:
- Asking any follow-up questions when the contract is signed, so I am 100 percent clear on what they're looking for and how to execute it - Do this always; it will save you from eleventh-hour imposter syndrome
- Reviewing their in-house style guide or sourcing requirements - This saves you time and makes a positive impression on the editor, as there's less work to do to clean up your copy
- Reading 3 recent articles in the same/related niche to glean tips - How long is the introduction? Does it start with a statistic, a newsy lead, a question, or some other format you can borrow? How many links to outside sources are used? How many headings? What phrasing is typical?
- Turning content in on time - Always, but if you can't, communicate early about potential roadblocks so they aren't caught off guard
In addition to these freelance etiquette tips, think ahead about other ways you can contribute to the publication. This might mean more queer stories or a different beat. Last year, I transitioned from writing LGBTQ essays and reported stories to writing food listicles for Greatist; it was easy money to bang out content that didn't require much research due to my familiarity with the niche, and their ongoing need meant multiple assignments monthly in a time when other work has dried up.
Email 2-3 new pitch ideas over when you're submitting your article or, if it's a different beat, ask which editor you should pitch. Onboarding writers can be a pain, so many editors like to save time by commissioning work someone who is already in the system, as opposed to accepting a pitch from an unfamiliar writer.
If you're stumped for ideas, it never hurts to ask whether they're looking for more LGBTQ stories or what their current content needs are. This keeps the conversation going and might give the clarity you need to come up with a few pitch topics.
Obviously, not all Pride month clients are great candidates for repeat work. If you're not naturally interested in the topics they cover, if the editor was unpleasant to work with or if the rate is below your usual, pass. Otherwise, try these tips and keep your expectations realistic. While not every editor needs more regular writers, if you follow these steps, you'll impress them–making it all the more likely they'll think of you when they need another LGBTQ article or reach out again if they hear of relevant opportunities.
Get your q’s answered:
Once a month, I answer your questions about the writing life and making it work for you. Want yours answered? Contact me here.
If you appreciated this, share it with a friend.
P.S. you can also give a tip, so I can keep helping other writers get better at the business side of the writing life.