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.
Did you miss a VPS? Watch a recording!
On May 19, Noah Michelson, editor from HuffPost, took pitches from 8 professional members. The recording is available for Professional and Associate members to view here (you must be logged in to view this page).
Other past VPS recordings are accessible through 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 past VPS recordings you’d like to watch.
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!
What are Virtual Pitch Slams?
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. Pitching slots are first-come first-serve. However, any ASJA member may attend the event to watch and learn.
Previous Virtual Pitch Slam participants include: Slate Magazine, Trails magazine, AARP, 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 VPS begins with an interview-style conversation between an ASJA host and the editor about the kinds of stories their outlet is seeking. After the introduction, VPS gives professional members two minutes to pitch to the editor no more than two story ideas 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 if requested), 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.
How Virtual Pitch Slams Work
If you’re not familiar with Virtual Pitch Slam–VPS for short–it’s an hour-long online pitch session. An editor from a specific, pre-announced writing outlet starts things off by talking about the kinds of stories the outlet is seeking. Then, one by one, each ASJA professional member who’s registered for the slam in advance has two minutes to pitch no more than two story ideas. The editor offers instant feedback, which could include a request for a follow-up email. Then it’s the next writer’s turn to pitch.
VPS is open only to ASJA members at the professional member level. However, ASJA members at any level–including associate and retired members–can listen in on pitch sessions. Listening in is a great way to learn about pitching. Members who attend but don’t pitch can also use what they learn to pitch outlets after the fact.
For more on VPS, read the FAQ, here.
VPS sessions are recorded and free for all ASJA members to listen to on demand; recordings of past VPS sessions are available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a Virtual Pitch Slam?
Held several times a year, Virtual Pitch Slams (VPS) are one-hour, events 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 online on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for VPS will be announced well in advance, via email, the ASJA Weekly and on social media, so members can take note of the date. Once signups open, members 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-served. We take a maximum of 10 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 Cari Shane at Cari@CariShane.com.
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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