Why Longer PR Pitches Can Lead to Better Media Coverage

Okay, so you know how everyone says that when you pitch a journalist, you should keep it short and sweet? Well, I’m here to tell you that’s... kinda wrong. 

I get it. Everyone’s inbox is bursting at the seams, and you don’t want to waste anyone’s time. 

But the truth is, sometimes a longer pitch is exactly what gets the job done.

Why Length Matters

When it comes to pitching, the more context you provide, the more likely you are to grab attention.

Details Are Your Friend

Let’s be real—a pitch that’s just a few sentences long? That’s not going to cut it for most stories. 

Sure, if you’re pitching a major celebrity or a breaking news event, brevity might work. But for everything else, journalists need context. 

They need to understand why this story matters and what makes it special. A longer pitch gives you room to explain that.

Catch Their Attention (and Keep It!)

Journalists are busy, no doubt. But they’re also humans with curiosity. 

If you craft a pitch that’s interesting enough, they’ll stick with it. The trick isn’t to focus on keeping it short, but on making it intriguing. 

Don’t be afraid to give them a little more to chew on—as long as it’s worth reading, they’ll read it.

How to Nail the Longer Pitch

You want your pitch to pop, right? A little extra effort can really make it shine.

Channel Your Inner Journalist

Pitches should sound like the stories you’re hoping to see published. 

Start with a strong lead that grabs attention, then back it up with solid facts. If the first couple of paragraphs are strong, a journalist won’t care how long the rest is.

Be a Storytelling Sidekick

Here’s a pro tip: at the end of your pitch, offer up a few different ways the story could go. 

Could it be a hard news piece? Maybe a feature story? Give them options. 

Journalists are busy, but they’re also creative. Help them see the different angles your story can take.

Know Your Audience (Like, Really Know Them)

The best pitches are personal. If you know the journalist and how they like to approach stories, your pitch is already ahead of the game. 

Make it clear that you’re not just firing off emails at random—you’re pitching something that fits their style.

Before You Hit Send...

This is your final chance to impress, so don’t skip the crucial step of polishing your work.

Edit Like Your Career Depends on It

If your pitch is full of typos, it’s going straight to the trash. Harsh but true. 

So, take the time to edit, re-read, and then edit again. Your pitch should be as polished as the story you hope it will become.

The Case for Going Long

I get it—everyone loves the idea of a quick, punchy pitch. But here’s the thing: journalists want substance. 

If you take the time to craft a longer pitch that’s packed with detail, they’re more likely to take it seriously. And hey, you might just make their job a little easier by giving them all the info they need upfront.

In the end, a little extra effort goes a long way. So, the next time you’re about to hit send on that super-short pitch, think about whether a few more words could make the difference between “delete” and “let’s run this.”