You’ve built your expertise. You have a great idea. Now, the single most important step is crafting the email pitch that gets an editor’s “yes.” For every 100 pitches an editor receives, maybe 5 are worth a second look. Yours needs to be in that 5%.
The subject line is your first and often only chance. It must be compelling, clear, and concise. Avoid spammy words like “GUEST POST” or “FREE ARTICLE.” Instead, try something intriguing like “An overlooked SEO tactic that boosted my organic traffic by 300%” or “A data-driven pitch on [Your Topic].”
Personalization is not optional. Never use a generic “Dear Editor” or, worse, the wrong name. Find the right editor for your section. Mention a recent article they commissioned that you genuinely enjoyed. This shows you’ve done your homework and respect their work.
The body of your email should be brief and powerful. Introduce yourself with a one-sentence bio that establishes your credibility (e.g., “I’m a cybersecurity consultant with 15 years of experience protecting Fortune 500 companies”). Immediately state your unique article idea and clearly articulate why their specific audience will care about it.
Provide a few bullet points outlining the key takeaways of your proposed piece. This gives the editor a quick snapshot of the structure and value. Finally, include 2-3 links to your best previously published work. This is your proof of concept.
Always end with a clear call to action: “Would this be a good fit for your [Section Name] section? I’m ready to draft it for your review.”
How to Feature on Forbes.com: The Specific Angle
Forbes editors are inundated with pitches. To stand out, your idea must be exceptionally timely, data-driven, or counter-intuitive. It can’t just be a rehash of common knowledge.
Your pitch should tie into a major trend they cover—like AI, entrepreneurship, or future of work—but from a unique, expert angle. For example, instead of “The Importance of Company Culture,” pitch “How We Used a 4-Day Workweek to Double Productivity: A Data Case Study.” Back your idea up with proprietary data, a unique case study, or a strong contrarian opinion supported by evidence.
Your bio line when pitching Forbes must be impeccable. Lead with your most impressive credential. The goal of the pitch is not just to sell an article, but to sell yourself as a potential expert source for their contributor network.
A flawless, personalized, and valuable pitch is the key that unlocks the door to high-DA sites.
