What editors want in a pitch: A Q&A with Leah Milner

The former Sun and Daily Mail commissioning editor on what she’s looking for right now

One of the biggest barriers to successful pitching is understanding exactly what editors needs are - and how you can meet them. But if you don’t have up-to-date contacts at major publications giving you insider information about what’s going on, how are you supposed to know what editors want?

I started this newsletter to help take the guesswork out of pitching for you, so I love being able to share with you my conversations with editors and senior journalists about what they are actively looking for in pitches right now.

This week, we’re hearing from a journalist with buckets of experience commissioning, editing and writing on the topics of consumer, money, property and mental health: Leah Milner is a freelance journalist and editor, who has worked for publications including The Sun and the Daily Mail.

Leah Milner is a freelance journalist and editor who has held commissioning roles at The Sun and Daily Mail

Here’s what she has to say about how to pitch to her, what she’s looking for right now – and why the right pictures could make or break your pitch:

Leah, what does your role involve?

I mainly write about saving money, consumer rights, property and about mental health, often drawing on my own experience of living with bipolar.

I’ve been freelancing on and off for the past decade and I love the flexibility and variety it gives me. Within that time, I have worked in-house for national newspapers in editing and commissioning roles, including at The Sun’s money section and its Sun Savers page, and the Daily Mail’s Money Mail section.

I’ve had bylines across the national press and for a wide range of specialist titles, from parenting website Netmums, to trade magazines for financial advisers and mortgage brokers.

Do you accept direct pitches?

From PRs? Yes! Absolutely.

I’m not currently commissioning for pitches from freelance journalists at the moment, but both The Sun and the Mail are very open to timely and well-thought-out freelance pitches – freelancers should contact their desks directly.

What sorts of topics/stories are you looking for?