How to get into the New York Times

How I Did It V. 2

Ninety-nine percent of the unsolicited emails that hit my inbox come from folks wanting to get their client, their company, or themselves into the New York Times. Can’t blame ‘em. The newspaper of record has the widest circulation of any in the nation. If you’re a journalist looking to sink your teeth into a story that’s going to get a lot of eyes and raise your profile, it’s a prime place to pitch.

Hard to pick a favorite, but this one is up there.

Backstory: on February 6, 2013, I quit my full time job at ABC News with the goal of getting a byline in the New York Times (which I hoped would lead to more bylines and maybe a full time job at the NYT). A friend who freelanced for the newspaper graciously gave me the email address of her editor with the instructions, “I would only email her with a story idea. No need to email her to tell her you are gonna send her one — just do it!”

Better advice has never been given. I sent the editor this email:

A) I did not know I had an idea for a book/screenplay/TV pilot in me when I left ABC. I also did not need to share that with this editor; it smacks of egotism. Better: “I recently left to break out of my own.” B) That Courtney Love story was a ride. Only the first page of it exists on the Internet now, but the whole shebang remains in my files. One day, I’ll post it here and tell you all about it.