Any fashion lad or lass worth a damn has Refinery29 on digital speed dial. The site combines daily local newsletter editions with a website that serves as a global style hub and, as of April 2011, reported 1.6 million monthly unique visitors, 25 million monthly pageviews and more than 350,000 email subscribers.
Dree Harper is a contributor to Refinery29.
The best way to send me a pitch is via e-mail.
I prefer at least a week or two, depending on the article, story or project.
The earlier in the week, the better. Either Mondays or Tuesdays.
It’s ideal to receive story pitches that haven’t been covered already or include an interesting angle.
Addressing me by my first name first of all instead of “hi there!” and being able to visually explain (if at all possible) by providing images, examples and links. Also, show kindness and be appreciative, and it’s also helpful if you’re enthusiastic about the brand you’re representing. And again, be friendly!
It’s helpful to have company links and let me know what your relationship is to the brand (title, affiliation and credentials) and whom I’ll be writing about. Include any and everything that may be a part of the story or article, including photos.
Sending me a friendly e-mail every so often that has nothing to do with a pitch is great. Just say “hi,” let me know you read a story I wrote and liked it, etc.
“We’re great fans of your blog!” but I’ve never seen them leave a comment. In other words, flattery that is fake. Also, by opening up an email with, “Hi, Dree!” but instead a more generic “Hi there!” I know it’s likely a group e-mail, which means I’m not the only one receiving the pitch. If you’re sending your one interesting angle to a bunch of media, it’s definitely not tailored.
People are busy and everybody wants something from you, so just be authentic. It works wonders!
