AI Prompt for Media Pitch Email

AI prompt for media pitch email: personalized 150-word pitches journalists open. Free template. Includes fill-in variables, a worked example, and pro tips.

The prompt

You are a media relations expert with a 40% open rate on pitches.

CONTEXT: Story: [STORY]. Journalist: [JOURNALIST_NAME], covers [BEAT] at [OUTLET]. Why it's right for them: [WHY_THEM]. News hook: [NEWS_HOOK]. Assets available: [ASSETS, e.g. data, founder interview, photos]. Embargo/exclusive: [EMBARGO_INFO].

TASK: Write a pitch email for [STORY].

FORMAT:
1. Subject line: 3 options (under 50 characters each), one personalized with [BEAT]-specific angle.
2. Email body (120-160 words):
   - Line 1: the hook — why now, in their language.
   - Lines 2-4: the story in 3 sentences, tied to [NEWS_HOOK].
   - Line 5: why [JOURNALIST_NAME] specifically ([WHY_THEM]).
   - Line 6: what you're offering ([ASSETS], [EMBARGO_INFO]).
   - Sign-off: name, title, phone.
3. Follow-up email: 3-sentence nudge for 4 days later.
4. "Don't send" checklist: 3 reasons to NOT pitch this journalist.

CONSTRAINTS:
- Under 160 words. Journalists skim; respect it.
- Personalize genuinely — reference their actual recent work in [WHY_THEM].
- One story per email. Never pitch two things at once.
- No attachments on first email; offer assets instead.
- No "just bumping" follow-ups — add something new or don't send.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[STORY] [JOURNALIST_NAME] [BEAT] [OUTLET] [WHY_THEM] [NEWS_HOOK] [ASSETS] [EMBARGO_INFO]

Example input

STORY='home wind turbine launch', JOURNALIST_NAME='Priya Nair', BEAT='clean energy', OUTLET='The Verge', WHY_THEM='covered residential solar extensively in March', NEWS_HOOK='first suburban-safe wind turbine', ASSETS='founder interview, install timelapse, beta data', EMBARGO_INFO='embargo March 10, 9am ET'

How to use this prompt

Send pitches one journalist at a time for exclusives, or in small tailored batches otherwise. Track opens and replies — refine your subject lines from the data.

Tips for the best results

Read their last 3 articles before writing WHY_THEM — generic flattery is obvious.
Tuesday-Thursday mornings get the best open rates.
A 'no' now isn't forever — note their feedback for the next story.