What are the essential components in a pitch letter? What are the functions of each component?

What will be an ideal response?

Pitch letters are designed to sell an idea for a story. Pitch letters can be customized, but most persuasive and complete letters follow a standard format. As in a press release, the opening sentences of a pitch letter are critical to winning a connector's attention. Pitch letters must also be relevant to the connector - whether media or non-media. Marketers can demonstrate this relevance by providing evidence of their familiarity with the connector's beliefs and values while showing how a particular story aligns with those beliefs and values and benefits the connector's audience. Journalists and other connectors are busy professionals who value objectivity and verifiable facts. MPR professionals have a responsibility to provide connectors with useful facts. The pitch letter is the place to introduce connectors to this information. Pitch letters should also include supporting elements and additional materials - from press kits to B-Roll footage and photographs. Even supplying connectors with other sources of expertise, such as potential interviewees can make a connector's life easier. Of course, the goal of any MPR effort is to lock in a commitment from connectors to cover a story, which in turn might result in media mentions and word-of-mouth. The pitch letter must therefore include mention of how and when the marketer intends to follow up the pitch, and the marketer must carry through on following up as promised.