Guest Post Pitch Email Template

Free editable Guest Post Pitch Email Template. Copy, personalize, or download the Word .docx template from UNmiss.

Editors get dozens of vague 'can I write for you?' emails a week. These pitches stand out by showing you know the blog, proposing specific angles, and proving you can write.

6 ready-to-use variants

Cold pitch (3 headline ideas)

Reach an editor you've never spoken to and earn a reply by offering three specific, ready-to-write angles.

Subject: Guest post idea for [Blog Name]: [angle]

Hi [First Name],

I've followed [Blog Name] for a while, and your recent piece on [recent article] stood out: especially the part about [specific detail]. I'd like to contribute something equally useful for your readers.

Three angles I could write, all original and non-promotional:

  • [Headline idea 1]: [one line on the reader takeaway]
  • [Headline idea 2]: [one line on the reader takeaway]
  • [Headline idea 3]: [one line on the reader takeaway]

For a sense of my writing, here's a recent piece: [link to your best published article]. I'll match your style guide, include original visuals or examples, and keep any self-promotion to a short author bio.

Would any of these be a fit? Happy to send a full outline for whichever you prefer.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Title, Company]
[Portfolio or LinkedIn URL]

Warm pitch (after engaging with their work)

Pitch an editor whose recent article or talk you've genuinely read, shared, or commented on, so the opener proves real familiarity.

Subject: Loved your take on [topic]: a follow-up angle for [Blog Name]

Hi [First Name],

Your article on [recent article] has stuck with me. I shared it with my team because of the point you made about [specific argument or finding]. It actually sparked an idea I think your readers would value.

You covered [what they covered] thoroughly, but you stopped short of [the natural next question or gap]. I'd like to write a piece that picks up exactly there:

[Proposed headline]: [two lines on the argument and what the reader walks away able to do].

I'd back it with [original data, a worked example, or first-hand experience], follow your style guide, and keep promotion to the author bio. Here's a recent sample of my work: [link to your best published article].

Would this be a good fit for [Blog Name]? I can send a full outline this week.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Title, Company]
[Portfolio or LinkedIn URL]

Topic approved → draft delivery note

Send the finished, ready-to-publish draft after an editor has approved your angle, making the editor's job as easy as possible.

Subject: Draft ready: [Approved headline] for [Blog Name]

Hi [First Name],

Thanks again for the green light on [approved headline]. The finished draft is attached as [Google Doc link or attachment]: [word count] words, written to your style guide.

A few quick notes so it's easy to review:

  • Original assets: [custom graphic, screenshot, or data table], all royalty-free and yours to use.
  • Sourcing: every claim is linked to a primary source; nothing is paraphrased without attribution.
  • Links: one contextual link to [your relevant resource] in the body, plus a one-line author bio. Remove either if it doesn't fit your policy.
  • Author bio: [two-sentence bio] with headshot attached.

Happy to make any edits, tighten sections, or adjust the angle. Just point me at what you'd like changed. I'll turn revisions around within [turnaround, e.g. 48 hours].

Looking forward to seeing it live, and thanks for the opportunity.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Title, Company]
[Portfolio or LinkedIn URL]

"Already drafted" pitch (ready to publish)

Offer a complete, finished post up front when you've written something so on-brand for the blog that the editor can publish it almost as-is.

Subject: Ready-to-publish post for [Blog Name]: [Headline]

Hi [First Name],

I wrote a piece with [Blog Name] readers specifically in mind, and rather than pitch an idea, I figured I'd save you a step and share the finished draft.

[Headline]: [one line on the takeaway and who it helps]. It's [word count] words, original (never published or syndicated anywhere), and includes [original graphic or data].

Read the full draft here: [Google Doc link].

It already follows your style guide, every stat is linked to its source, and it carries a single contextual link plus a short author bio, both of which you're welcome to cut. If it's not quite right, I'm glad to revise the angle or write something different instead.

Would this work for [Blog Name]?

Best,
[Your Name]
[Title, Company]
[Portfolio or LinkedIn URL]

Long-term contributor (ongoing column)

Propose a recurring column or regular contributor relationship after you've already landed at least one well-received post.

Subject: A regular column for [Blog Name]?

Hi [First Name],

Working with you on [published post title] was a pleasure, and the response ([a concrete result, e.g. comments, shares, or backlinks it earned]) tells me the topic resonates with your audience. I'd like to propose making it regular.

The idea: a [monthly / biweekly] column on [theme], giving readers a dependable place for [the recurring value]. A few directions I could rotate through:

  • [Column angle 1]: [one line]
  • [Column angle 2]: [one line]
  • [Column angle 3]: [one line]

I'd commit to [cadence], hit your deadlines, bring original data or examples each time, and keep every piece editorial-first. I'm happy to start with a one-month trial so you can see whether the rhythm works before committing.

Would you be open to a quick call to scope it out?

Best,
[Your Name]
[Title, Company]
[Portfolio or LinkedIn URL]

Polite follow-up

Send a single brief nudge about a week after a pitch that hasn't received a reply.

Subject: Re: Guest post idea for [Blog Name]

Hi [First Name],

Floating my note from last week back to the top in case it slipped past. Inboxes are brutal this time of year.

Quick recap: I offered to write [your strongest headline idea] for [Blog Name], original and built around [the angle or data]. If a different angle would suit your calendar better, I'm glad to adapt.

If it's not a fit right now, no worries at all. Just let me know and I won't keep your inbox busy. Either way, thanks for the great work on [recent article].

Best,
[Your Name]
[Title, Company]
[Portfolio or LinkedIn URL]

How to use this template

  1. Shortlist blogs that publish outside contributors and genuinely reach your audience. Confirm recent guest posts attract real traffic, comments, and shares before you invest time.
  2. Read three to four recent articles end to end so your pitch can reference specific pieces and target gaps the blog hasn't covered yet.
  3. Propose three concrete, original headlines, each paired with the reader takeaway, never a single vague topic like "something about SEO."
  4. Include one link to your strongest published sample so the editor can judge your writing without asking.
  5. Find and follow the blog's style guide or contributor guidelines before you write a word: word count, formatting, sourcing rules, and link policy.
  6. Send exactly one polite follow-up about a week later if you hear nothing, then move on gracefully.
  7. Once approved, deliver clean, fully sourced copy with original visuals and a single natural contextual link, plus a short author bio.
  8. Track every pitch (blog, contact, angle sent, date, and outcome) in a simple sheet so you can follow up on time and learn what lands.

Pro tips

  • Make the editor's first ten seconds easy: a specific subject line, a real reference to their work in line one, and a clear choice of angles beats any flattery.
  • Pitch what only you can write (original data, a first-hand case study, or a contrarian take grounded in experience) so the post is impossible to commission from anyone else.
  • Treat the contextual link as a privilege, not the goal: place it where it genuinely helps the reader, and let the quality of the writing earn it.
  • Mirror the blog's voice and structure from your very first draft; an editor who barely has to edit you is the one who invites you back.

Frequently asked questions

How many headline ideas should I pitch?

Three is the sweet spot: enough to give the editor a real choice without overwhelming them. Make each one specific and tied to a clear reader benefit, and lead with the angle you think fits the blog best.

How many links can I include in a guest post?

Usually one contextual link to a genuinely relevant resource, plus a single author-bio link. Some publications allow two contextual links; check their guidelines. Trying to slip in more is the fastest way to get rejected or flagged.

Should I expect a do-follow link?

Don't demand one. Many reputable publications use nofollow or sponsored attributes on contributor links, and that's fine. A relevant placement in front of the right audience still drives referral traffic and brand awareness. Lead with editorial value, not link attributes, and never make do-follow a condition of writing.

Is guest posting safe for SEO, or will Google penalize it?

Genuine guest posting (original, useful content on a relevant site) is safe and encouraged. What Google's spam policies target is large-scale guest posting done purely to build links, with keyword-rich anchors and thin content. Stay on the right side by writing for the audience first and keeping links natural and minimal.

What if the blog asks for payment, or the post is sponsored?

Paying to place a link that passes ranking signals violates Google's guidelines. If money changes hands, the link should be marked rel="sponsored" (or nofollow), and the post should be clearly disclosed as sponsored or paid to readers. Many quality editorial blogs accept free contributions; if a site charges a fee specifically for a do-follow link, treat that as a red flag.

How long should I wait before following up?

Give the editor about a week, then send one short, friendly follow-up that restates your best angle and offers to adapt. If there's still no reply, stop. A second nudge rarely helps and can sour the relationship for a future pitch.