You can request a media kit from the newspaper or magazine you wish to be printed in. In the media kit you will find the editorial calendar, a month-by-month breakdown that lists special sections and topics that will be discussed in upcoming issues. Take the time to study this because it will tip you off to sections, months in advance, where your story idea might be a good fit. Once you identify the right section, you can then call the paper and ask for the name and address of the section editor. That's the person to whom you want to send your pitch.

For TV feature shows, it's best to send your letter to the assistant producer. For TV news shows, send it to the assignment editor. For magazines and trade publications, send it to the appropriate reporter, or to an editor.

For more information on how to use the media kit to your advantage, see Special Report # 7 "How to Write the Perfect Pitch Letter That Convinces an Editor to Write About You"