Under constant pressure to deliver great articles, every journalist hits a barren pitch now and then. No journalist can expect every story to fall into their lap, but with a little strategic thinking, inspiration is closer than you think.
This lesson is every bit as important as a journalism degree. The number of journalists with a master’s degree in journalism rose from 32%in 2015 to 41% in 2023. But while studying with a reputable course provider like //schoolofjournalism.co.uk/, they’ll realise that even Pulitzer Prize winners sometimes struggle to find a subject.
Here are three ways of finding your next commission.
Working backwards
Look at recurring formats in major outlets, such as “as-told-to” columns, reflective essays and lifestyle upgrade features. Once you understand what works, you can think about people you know who may have extraordinary stories to fit these established slots.
Apply your expertise creatively
Repurposing your knowledge for different audiences is another productive strategy. If you’ve researched a specialist topic for one publication, how might that knowledge resonate in a new context? A health reporter might adapt clinical insights for a psychology readership, or a business journalist could reshape a financial analysis for a consumer-facing feature. Often the leap isn’t far – it’s just about reframing your authority to suit another audience’s priorities.
Carpe diem
Or, in English, seize the day. Quirky events, early tips or odd stories unfolding on your own doorstep can make perfect pitches if you act quickly. Time-sensitive chances don’t last long. When instinct says, “This is a story,” move fast before it passes.
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