The Power of Personal Storytelling

During a recent global creators' conference, I engaged with some of the most prominent figures across various platforms. Interestingly, they didn't label themselves as influencers or creators; they all identified as storytellers. This distinction highlights a major advantage humans have over AI—we possess unique personal narratives.

While AI can generate detailed articles or craft promotional posts, it lacks the ability to experience life as humans do. It cannot draw from personal experiences to share stories filled with triumph, loss, and genuine emotion. Although AI can simulate narratives, discerning editors can easily spot the difference.

Unlocking Your Personal Essays

You likely have a treasure trove of personal anecdotes waiting to be shared. Initially, I believed that only extraordinary tales would catch an editor's eye—stories that could potentially inspire a Netflix series. In truth, what editors seek are engaging, relatable narratives that resonate with their audience. Your life is a collection of personal essays, each with its own merit.

The Hook That Captivates

My first article accepted by Insider discussed my experience of canceling my wedding three times due to COVID. The pitch included an intriguing hook: "I finally got married after three cancellations—but not before one last-minute twist that nearly derailed the event." This detail piqued the editor's interest and prompted further inquiries.

When I proposed an article about my honeymoon in Costa Rica, I knew I needed a hook to make it appealing. My pitch emphasized that my honeymoon coincided with the rainy season, presenting an unexpected twist: "Why would a honeymoon during storms be a great choice?" This approach successfully launched my contributor career at Insider.

Crafting Your Pitch

I established a folder named "Pitch Perfect" to manage my submissions. However, a pitch doesn’t need to be flawless; it simply needs to be concise and attention-grabbing. One common complaint among editors is receiving overly lengthy pitch emails. The email subject should encapsulate the story's headline, which must convey both intrigue and clarity to encourage the editor to open it.

After understanding what my Insider editor favored, I tailored my pitches with engaging hooks. For example:

• "I go to the gym every day." (Not interesting)
• "I attend the gym daily as the only male in class." (Intriguing)

These narratives may not make headlines in major publications, but for editors seeking personal accounts, they hold significant value—something AI cannot replicate.

Exploring Diverse Narratives

Even if you feel your life lacks excitement, consider this: Insider appreciates 'as told to' stories, where you interview someone and share their experiences. Initially hesitant, I've found this approach rewarding and a source of countless stories to pitch.

The key lies in crafting an interesting hook. For instance:

• "I went on Tinder and met numerous men." (Ordinary)
• "I used Tinder to find participants for an art project." (Intriguing)

Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues; you may discover surprising stories waiting to be told.

Mastering the Interview Technique

If you choose to interview others, asking the right questions is crucial for developing a compelling narrative. Many interviewees tend to provide lengthy responses that may stray from the core of the story. It's important to guide the conversation while crafting a plot in your mind, keeping the hook at the forefront.

The Demand for Personal Narratives

As a writer, I recognize the potential of AI to take over many traditional writing tasks. Nevertheless, the demand for personal essays is greater than ever, with editors actively seeking such stories on social media and in newsletters.

So, dive into your own experiences and pitches, and when you land a piece, feel free to reach out to share your success—another writing achievement unlocked.

Pitching Techniques and Strategies

Discover effective strategies for crafting pitches that capture attention and engage editors.