Virtual Client Connections
Client Connections’ little sister, Virtual Client Connections, offers even more opportunities to land new clients.
Virtual Pitch Slams
Virtual Pitch Slam
Pitch Slams are exciting opportunities to share your ideas with editors or agents — and learn effective pitching techniques.
Held a few times a year, Virtual Pitch Slams (VPS) provide professional members with an opportunity to pitch story ideas to an editor in a group setting.
Previous Virtual Pitch Slam participants include: National Geographic, Better Homes and Gardens, Cosmopolitan, Boston Globe, Costco Connection, MIT Technology Review and Business Insider.
These one-hour events take place in a virtual group setting. Each begins with an interview-style conversation between an ASJA host and a digital/print editor about the kinds of stories their outlet is seeking. The second half of VPS gives professional members two minutes to pitch no more than two story ideas to the editor as other members listen. This format provides an opportunity not only for members to pitch their ideas (and follow-up directly with editors by email), but also gives members an opportunity to hear how other freelance writers craft a pitch while hearing detailed explanations from the editor about what works or doesn’t work for their particular outlet. Recordings are available for those who cannot attend.
Did you miss a VPS? Watch a recording!
All VPS recordings are added to the Resource Finder. Search for a publication or client using the keyword search, or scroll down to the pink box, click Client Networking and scroll down to find the recording you’d like to hear.
These recordings are available to Professional and Associate members of ASJA. If you are not a member, read about ASJA’s many benefits and join today!
Upcoming Virtual Pitch Slams are listed in ASJA Events.
(If no VPS events are listed, there are none scheduled at this time.)
What’s a Virtual Pitch Slam?
Held several times a year, Virtual Pitch Slams (VPS) are one-hour, interactive video conference calls during which a moderator hosts a client and ASJA members share live pitches. The client then provides constructive feedback on each story idea.
Who can participate in VPS, and how do you sign up?
Professional ASJA members sign up on a first-come, first-serve basis using an online form to get one of the pitching slots. We will announce when the sign-ups begin well in advance, via ASJA Weekly and on the ASJA Facebook page, so members can take note of the date. Once signups open, you can click on the live link on the ASJA website’s VPS page to register.
How does VPS work?
Each participant gets two minutes to pitch one or two story ideas while other registered members listen in.
Will I definitely get a pitching slot?
No. It is first-come, first-serve. We take a maximum of 12 participants.
If I get a pitching slot, how should I prepare?
A week before the VPS, each participant will receive detailed information provided by the editor outlining what they’re looking for. Use this as a guideline to carefully prepare your pitch, making sure that it meets the client’s criteria.
• Do not bring non-relevant pitches to VPS! Clients are expecting our members to bring on-target, on-brand ideas.
• No need to introduce yourself or recite your biography. Editors will get a list of participants and a link to their websites in advance.
• To make sure all members have time to pitch, you will be muted after two ideas are pitched or after your two minutes are up.
What if I miss the signup period?
We post VPS recordings on the website shortly after the event, so all ASJA members can have access. Listening to fellow writers pitching is a great way to learn what an editor is looking for, which can help you pitch future stories to their publication or organization. Access VPS recordings from the ASJA Resource Finder.
What if I have a client that would work well for VPS?
We welcome suggestions for clients to approach! Contact Client Networking Chair Wendy Helfenbaum through her member profile.
Tips for pitches
- Make sure that your idea suits the publication and its audience. Research the publication or agent before developing your pitch.
- Pitches are time-limited, so practice before the meeting. Make sure you can get your idea across as concisely as possible.
- Include word count and potential sources in your pitch. Be sure to mention if your idea is timely or corresponds with a particular season or holiday.
Learn more
Client Connections
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