When — and how — to follow up with an editor

It's more art than science

It’s simple: 3 to 5, 3 to 5 + deadline.

Okay, maybe not that simple. Well, hmm, actually it’s a lot more complicated and nuanced than that. And it always depends. But hey, it’s a good starting point …?

In all seriousness, following up with an editor after a cold pitch is hard. It can feel intimidating, awkward, overstepping, and just weird. “Hey! It’s me again! You didn’t reply to my other email so here’s another one! Please read it!” We’ve all been there, and it can suck.

But it really doesn’t have to feel like that.