Okay, debate time: for my short story pitches, I've got a plain email template (it's quick) but everyone tells me to jazz it up. Your thoughts?

4 comments

4 Comments

Logan's got a point about cutting through the noise. Picture an editor's inbox flooded with fancy graphics and three-paragraph bios before the actual story idea. A clean, direct email lets your pitch do the talking right away. It's like handing them a clear map instead of a decorated but confusing treasure chest. They can instantly see your concept and decide if it fits what they need.

margaretr761mo ago

Hold up, people are putting graphics in pitch emails? I picture some editor opening an attachment and a dancing cartoon book starts singing at them. That's a sure way to get your idea deleted before the chorus. A plain text email says you respect their time and your story is strong enough on its own. Adding glitter just makes it look like you're hiding a weak idea.

dixon.david26d ago

Wyatt, I think you meant to say Margaret had a point, not Logan. Logan's comment was just agreeing with the plain email idea. But you're both right about the clutter. An editor's job is to find good stories, not to admire email design. My own rule is to make the subject line clear and put the logline right up top. Anything else is just a distraction from the words that actually matter.

loganpatel1mo ago

Actually, plain emails cut through the noise for busy editors. They just want to get to the pitch.