When you email a pitch letter to a reporter or editor, it is essential that you do it right, the following are a few tips on what to do:

Offer Expert Sources

If you've lined up expert sources who can be interviewed for the story, say so and mention them by name, particularly if they are in high positions and are usually inaccessible for interviews, or difficult to reach.

Use a Signature File

Go to the "Help" menu in your e-mail program and do a search for "signature" or "signature file." You will learn how to create a standard signature that is automatically tacked onto the end of every e-mail message you send. The signature should include your company name, address, phone and fax numbers, cellphone numbers and a hotlink to your company's web site. If reporters are interested in your pitch, this information will make it easier for them to track you down. They can also go directly to your website.

Do They Want More Stuff?

If reporters are interested in your release and want more information from your company or on that particular topic, make it easy for them to receive it. Provide a link to your web site where they can sign up for news releases. If you archive your news releases and offer reporters the chance to search by topic, let them know at the site that they have the ability to do that.

To learn more about what not to do versus what to do with your email pitch see Special Report #26 How to Make Your Story Pitch Stand Out in the E-mail Jungle