Create & Share Pitches
Welcome Freelancers! Now that your bios are crafted and shared, it's time to create and share your pitches (ideas for what you might like to write as Freelancers). I hope you'll continue to consider how YOU are a unique author positioned to write about unique life experiences, identities, topics, interests, hobbies, wisdom, pursuits, etc. as you brainstorm for these pitches. You should carve out time to self-reflect, dig deep, and present pitches that will engage you meaningfully in the tasks of drafting, revising, and editing, etc. over the next 10 weeks.
Here's the simple gist for this task (below), then some extra support, and finally (at the bottom of the page), precise instructions about what to submit in Canvas.
Here's the simple gist for this task (below), then some extra support, and finally (at the bottom of the page), precise instructions about what to submit in Canvas.
The goal is to create and share with the team TWO or THREE different pitches for writing projects (from which you'll choose ONE to begin drafting in week 2)." |
Considerations before you begin...
As Freelancers, you have the freedom to design and customize your writing projects to your unique interests, knowledge, backgrounds, etc., but there are so many things to consider up front that will help you to create and share pitches that lead to a rich and rewarding experience. The three videos below will outline those considerations and set you up with good advice as you continue this important work.
#1 of 3:
CONSIDER YOURSELF |
#2 of 3:
CONSIDER YOUR READERS |
#3 of 3:
CONSIDER OTHER VOICES |
Categories to help you begin...
I know this next video is long, but it's also much better than the various pages of instructions I've drafted as I try to convey and inspire you to create pitches :) The basic idea is that most articles in the publishing world fall into three main categories (described in the video).
You can start with the categories in mind, and then brainstorm ideas for how you might fill them with specific ideas for what to write. OR, you can write with specifics in mind, and then use the categories to help you develop the writing project further. If you have an idea but aren't sure where it fits, or IF it fits at all, reach out! Don't abandon an idea if you're passionate about it. Perhaps I can help you turn it into something. |
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A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE THREE CATEGORIES:
Mixed Media Review /
Looking for writers to review various types of media (films, books, podcasts, TV shows (specific episodes), advertisements, music videos, songs, albums, video games, etc.). Media may range from historical to contemporary, and reviews may range from criticism to praise. Please provide a summary of the media of your choice (a single film, book, etc.) within the article. Seeking fresh/unique and strong perspectives that promote a deeper analysis of, and appreciation for, media in general.
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Special Interest Piece /
Looking for writers to share personal wisdom or revelations about a special interests, especially related to culture or sub-culture subject matter.
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Micro-Argument /
Looking for writers to present a micro-argument that zooms in on a specific point to be made! Preference will be given to arguments that stand out against the backdrop of mainstream arguments.
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Share your pitches with the team!
In the discussion space this week, pitch a minimum of two-three ideas for what you might like to write about while working as a Freelancer this quarter. List the different pitches in no certain order (let the other writers "rate" them later). For each pitch:
PLEASE EDIT YOUR ORIGINAL POST (YOUR BIO) TO +ADD+ THE PITCHES AND KEEP IT IN THE SAME DISCUSSION.
- Briefly tell the story about how you developed the pitch: was it in response to a specific category? Or, did you come up with the idea first (category second), and based on what inspiration? How did the idea evolve, or get more specific/customized, as you worked on it?
- While you tell the story about how you developed the pitch, enthusiastically describe the content and appeal of the pitch itself (SELL IT!). If it fits into the pitch, reveal how you used the "considerations" to shape the ideas and make it clear how the ideas are fresh, authentic, etc.
PLEASE EDIT YOUR ORIGINAL POST (YOUR BIO) TO +ADD+ THE PITCHES AND KEEP IT IN THE SAME DISCUSSION.
DUE THURSDAY, 1/12 by 11:59 pm
Sample Pitch
Sample Pitch #1: Pumpernickel Bread
When I listened to the section in the video about special-interest writing, and the comments about culture, I thought immediately of my Danish grandparents who immigrated to the United States in their 30's to have and raise children. Any opportunity to ponder and explore this family history piques my interest, especially now that they are gone; I lost both of them and my dad (to cancer) over the past six years. Two days ago, I stopped in a grocery store to pick up sourdough bread and noticed a loaf of dark brown Pumpernickel bread, out of reach on the top shelf. I smiled, but I was also caught off guard by the immediate sensation of tears welling up. When my dad asked his parents what the hardest part about coming to the US was, they said that it was difficult to get by without Pumpernickel bread: how grandma would sometimes make it from scratch (but it was time consuming), and how they hunted far and wide to find a place that sells it. *I would love to write a piece about how food can create a sense of home when nothing else feels familiar, and/or how it's worth it to eat foods we don't love if it means we get the chance to connect with the ones we love. Perhaps I could find a recipe, try making it, and share it with family/friends. |
Rate/discuss the pitches!
Find two other writers to reply to. Try not to pick people who wrote pitches you want to debate :) You can give that kind of input as we move along this quarter, but for now, we need to engage in supportive, level-headed discussions and conversations so that everyone is helped along to choose topics and gain momentum for the writing timeline. Also, spread the love... if someone has zero replies, reply to them; if someone has two replies, find someone else who only has one. You are always welcome to write more than two.
Check CANVAS for more detailed instructions!
Check CANVAS for more detailed instructions!
DUE SUNDAY, 1/15 by 11:59 pm