What Editors Look For in Investigative Pitches

I’ve pitched hundreds of stories over thirty years. Some got greenlit immediately. Others died in editiors’ inboxes. Here’s what separates the successful pitches from the rejected ones.

The Five Things Editors Need

1. A Clear News Hook

Why this story, why now? Editors think in terms of news cycles, not just good ideas. What’s changed? What’s the urgency?

Weak: “I want to investigate housing conditions in Nebraska.” Strong: “Lincoln’s housing inspections have dropped 40% since 2024 — I’m requesting inspection records to see what code violations are being missed.”

2. A Source Already On The Record

Vague promises of “sources inside the agency” don’t fly. Editors want to know you have at least one credible source willing to speak on the record.

Include: Name, title, and a brief quote of what they’ll say.

3. Documents or Data

The strongest pitches include paper trails. FOIA requests in progress, public records, data analysis — show you’ve done homework.

4. What’s At Stake

Who gets hurt if this story isn’t told? Who’s the victim? Make the stakes concrete.

5. Your Credentials

Why you? What makes you the right journalist for this story? Include relevant past work.

Pitch Format (One Page Maximum)

Subject: PITCH: [Story Title]
Hook (1 sentence): [The most compelling angle]
The Story: [What you’ll investigate + what’s at stake]
Sources: [Who you’ve confirmed or where you’ll look]
Documents: [What public records or data you’ll request]
Your credentials: [Relevant past work + why you’re the right reporter]

What Gets Rejected

“I’m investigating corruption” — Too vague
No specific documents requested
No sources named or confirmed
Pitch is more than one page
Asking editors to do your reporting for you

My Best Advice

Start small. Don’t pitch a 6-month investigation on day one. Pitch a smaller story that proves your reporting chops. Then build to bigger projects.

Know the outlet. Read the outlet you’re pitching. Reference recent stories they’ve done. Show you’ve done your homework.

Be responsive. Editors will often ask follow-up questions. Reply fast. Be available.

The story is only as good as the pitch. Make it easy for editors to say yes.

Matthew Bovee is an investigative reporter and two-time Gerald Loeb Award winner. His investigations have led to policy changes across Nebraska.