How to Pitch Your Writing to Potential Connections

I used to think cold-querying managers was a waste of time. Now? I've seen it work enough that I actively recommend it—especially if you don't have industry connections. Here's my formula for emails that actually get responses. 🧵⤵️ If you read my thread on "How To Get A Manager," you know there are multiple paths. Cold emailing is just one strategy—and often a last resort, especially for writers without industry connections. But, contrary to popular belief, it CAN work. First, a key reality check: Save cold emailing for when your work is truly ready. A manager is a professional who makes money by supporting working writers. Sending scripts that are merely "solid" or "show promise" risks burning bridges before your career even starts. Before reaching out to managers, you need at least 2-3 INCREDIBLY strong samples—complete features or original pilots that showcase your unique voice and are ready to sell. Now for finding managers to cold email: Social media is your friend. Platforms like Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn can connect you with managers. Many post about what they're looking for. You can also find potential managers on IMDbPro. You might start by looking up films in your genre from the last few years. Find their writers, then look up those writers' managers. Then repeat with upcoming projects. The cold email itself should be SHORT. Five or six sentences maximum. It's about making a quick, memorable impression that leads to a read, and respecting their time. Your email should include: 1. Why you're someone they'd want to work with (contest wins, fellowship placements, unique background) 2. A brief mention that you're seeking representation  3. Why you're reaching out to them, specifically (demonstrate you’re not sending a form letter to a list) Then, close with:  4. ONE killer logline for your strongest sample 5. A simple ask if they'd like to read it Don't send multiple loglines. Have other scripts ready if they're interested, but save those for after they respond. And don’t attach your script—wait to be asked for it. Do your research and spell the manager's name correctly. This seems obvious, but you'd be shocked how many queries fail this basic test. If you're a diverse writer, mention that. Many managers are actively looking to diversify their rosters and need your voice. Be patient. It can take 3-4 weeks before you get a response, if at all. And don't take silence personally—managers receive hundreds of queries. This is a numbers game, and persistence matters. Track your outreach. Create a simple spreadsheet with manager names, companies, email addresses, date contacted, and response (if any). This helps you follow up appropriately and avoid sending duplicate emails. If you get a rejection, be gracious. Thank them for their time and ask if they'd be open to reading future work. Sometimes "no" just means "not this script" or "not right now." Don't get discouraged if your first attempts don't connect.

Want to land freelance writing clients in DMs on LinkedIn? Be more intentional. I'm not sure about you, but I'm inundated with a hodgepodge of DMs weekly (sometimes daily). They're cold, impersonal, and mostly irrelevant. And annoying! Admittedly, I avoid direct messages when seeking new clients unless I'm dealing with a potential client or brand I'm unreasonably excited about, and I know I can craft a highly personalized message that doesn't feel salesy or aggressive. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you work with that client or brand you can't stop thinking about: Step 1: Be thoughtful and intentional about how you might fit into their business. What makes you a deep special? What do you offer that someone else can't? A service? Specialized knowledge? Experience using their software or brand? Step 2: Review their website (and/or their product). Go through their blog posts. Download their guides. Read through customer testimonials. Learn and absorb. Step 3: Draft your message so that it feels personal, as if it were a letter between old friends. This is where having a deep familiarity with the software, brand, and/or content is helpful. Step 4: Pitch yourself, but don't overdo it. Focus on cultivating a connection first, and give the relationship time to grow. Here's an example from my book of business last year: I wanted to write for an internal communications email platform. Step 1: What set me apart: I previously worked in internal communications and change management. I understand the challenges of their target audience (internal communicators) and how to communicate effectively with them, having been one myself. Step 2: I hadn't used the product, but I was familiar with their blog content and resources. I scoured their website and browsed through every piece of information available. Step 3: In my previous role, I used many of the company's blog posts and free downloadable resources, so I specifically highlighted how I used their resources to achieve success. I also noted that I was passionate about helping others, just like my past self (a busy internal communications professional). Step 4: I concluded my DM with a light pitch and gratitude: "If [Company] is ever looking for a freelance writer to help with SEO content or generate templates and resources to share, I'd love to help! (Or even supporting [Company Newsletter]). Please extend my thanks to the rest of the team. I'm excited to see what you all do next."