The Right Time To Pitch?

I feel very part of the collective crawl to the finish line this week, as we dodge the seasonal sniffles to meet deadlines by the skin of our teeth. Do you all feel the same? I wouldn’t guess by some of the very poised pitches I’m receiving (though the flurry of ‘Last-Minute Gifting Ideas’ might hint otherwise).

While I’ve been struck by some great feature inspo, now doesn’t feel like an opportune moment for suggesting meaty December stories. Frustratingly, I’ve no time to write anything that’s not already planned – nor budget left to commission someone else to.

In your shoes this week, I’d focus on pitching for ‘year in review’ type stories (offering valuable insights like best-seller figures), or leap entirely into January themes (spotlighting emerging trends, innovations, and activations that demand attention). When returning to my desks after all the merriment, I’ll be leafing my inbox for this kind of thing.

I think pitching at year’s end is akin to pitching at the week’s end—it’s about timing. Of course, we all work differently, but personally I find early-week pitches (and early in the day, if possible) ideal as they give me ample time to explore opportunities. Looking ahead excites me more than going back over things missed on a Friday, adding to an ever-growing to-do list that resembles a mountain waiting to be conquered.

Speaking of which, duty calls! It’s been a pleasure collaborating with all of you this year. Here’s to surviving the homestretch and reconvening on the flip side.