Instructor Samantha Mann is a Brooklyn based writer covering queer life, popular culture, mental health, and motherhood. She is a contributing writer for Vogue and The Cut. She has written for Elle, Today Show, Huffington Post, Bon Appetit, Bustle, Washington Post Magazine, Romper, BUST, and others. Her essay, "The Orgasm Gap and DJ Khaled," was featured in Roxane Gays newsletter, The Audacity. Samantha is the author of the essay collection, Putting Out: Essays on Otherness. In 2023 Putting Out was added to CLMPS recommended reading list for Women's History Month. Samantha edited and curated the anthology, I Feel Love: Notes on Queer Joy. And Buzzfeed Book review said, "This is the perfect collection for readers looking to appreciate and celebrate the many talented writers within the LGBTQIA+ community." Her sophomore collection, Dyke Delusions, debuts June 2025 with Read Furiously. 

Join Samantha Mann for an intensive seminar designed to demystify the art of pitching to legacy media outlets. Whether you're a seasoned writer looking to refine your pitching technique or a newcomer eager to break into top-tier publications, this seminar will equip you with the essential tools and insights needed to perfect your pitch.

In this seminar, students will dive into the nuances of pitching—from understanding the distinctions between literary magazines and legacy media to crafting compelling pitches that stand out to busy editors. The seminar emphasizes the specific needs and expectations of legacy media outlets, guiding students on what to include in a pitch, what to leave out, and how to effectively present themselves from an editor's point of view.

The class will feature a comprehensive lecture that breaks down the anatomy of a successful pitch. Students will also receive a detailed worksheet summarizing the key points covered, ensuring they have a handy reference for future pitches.

Participants will benefit from real-world examples of practice pitches, providing concrete illustrations of what works—and what doesn't. The seminar also includes dedicated time for students to work on their pitches, with personalized feedback from Samantha on one pitch per student.

Additionally, a Q&A session will offer invaluable insights into the pitchability of specific ideas, how to adjust angles for better reception, and which outlets to target.

Who Should Enroll:

This seminar is ideal for writers at any stage of their career, from those just starting to navigate the world of media pitching to experienced writers looking to polish their approach. Samantha, who began her career cold-pitching with no industry contacts and without an MFA, will share the hard-won lessons and strategies she's developed over nearly a decade of pitching to top publications.

What You'll Learn:

By the end of this seminar, students will leave with a stronger understanding of what makes a pitch successful, an actionable plan for their next pitch, and the confidence to approach editors with clarity and purpose. Feedback on one pitch per student is included, making this seminar an invaluable resource for anyone serious about taking their writing career to the next level.

Course Takeaways: 

• What elements are included in a pitch (and not included).
• The current landscape of freelancing.
• How to nail your "so-what" factor.
• Common mistakes in pitching.
• How to get rehired! 
  

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE: