Use these templates to organize a draft. They do not replace reporter research, fact checking, or editorial judgment. Delete any section that does not help the recipient evaluate the story.
Company news
Subject: [company] [specific action] for [affected audience]
Hi {{first_name}},
[Company] is [launching, opening, acquiring, changing, or publishing] [specific development] on [date]. The change means [concrete audience consequence].
Key facts:
[Verified fact, term, price, or location][Verified scale or availability][Evidence or named source]
This connects to your reporting on [specific linked work] because [editorial reason].
I can provide [documents, interview, demonstration, data, or images] by [time and time zone]. Would [specific next step] help?
[signature]
Original research or data
Subject: Data: [specific finding] among [defined group]
Hi {{first_name}},
[Organization] analyzed [sample, source, and period] and found [specific result]. The result matters to [audience] because [consequence].
The methodology covers [brief method] and [important limitation]. We can share the tables, methodology, and an interview with [qualified source].
Your coverage of [specific work] has examined [related issue]. This analysis adds [new evidence or angle].
Would you like the methodology and data?
[signature]
Expert source
Subject: Source on [current development]: [specific expertise]
Hi {{first_name}},
For your reporting on [development], [expert] can address:
[Narrow question][Narrow question][Narrow question]
[Expert] is [qualification directly relevant to those questions]. One attributable point: [brief evidence-backed observation].
[Expert] is available [times and time zone] by [channel]. Would an introduction help?
[signature]
Local story
Subject: [place]: [change] affects [local group]
Hi {{first_name}},
Beginning [date], [local event or change] will affect [defined group] in [place]. [Local evidence and consequence].
This adds [new local source, record, location, or result] to your coverage of [linked work or beat]. We can arrange [on-site access or local interview] and provide [records, data, or images].
Would you like [specific material] by [time]?
[signature]
Contributed article
Subject: Contributed article: [clear thesis]
Hi {{first_name}},
I am proposing an article arguing that [specific, defensible thesis]. It would help [publication audience] understand or do [outcome] using [evidence or experience].
Proposed structure:
[Problem or change][Evidence-backed point][Practical conclusion]
The author, [name], is [relevant qualification]. The draft would be original, approximately [length] words, and available by [date]. [Conflict or commercial disclosure].
Is the thesis suitable for [publication or section]?
[signature]
Follow-up
Subject: Re: [original subject]
Hi {{first_name}},
Following up once on the [story] below. Since the first note, [material new fact, source, document, or timing update].
I can send [asset] or arrange [source] by [time]. If it is not relevant, I will close the loop.
[signature]
Personalize before sending
Replace every placeholder. Then check:
- The journalist still covers the topic
- The first paragraph contains the story
- Every number and claim has a source
- The editorial reason refers to actual work
- Named sources have agreed to participate
- The next step is specific
- The subject describes the story
- The message follows published contact preferences
Cision’s 2025 State of the Media report collected responses from more than 3,000 journalists across 19 markets. Use individual preferences and current work instead of assuming one template fits that range.
PitchFriendly users can create and review templates, generate reporter-specific drafts, and preserve threading when sending follow-ups. Read the media pitch writing guide for the editorial reasoning behind each section.