If you have an idea you’d like to pitch me, a book you’d like me to review, or conference or event you’d like me to cover, I’d like to share some tips for doing that successfully (I’ve also blogged extensively about blogger outreach before).

Here are six words to describe a solid pitch.

Relevant

I write about digital communications and marketing. If your topic lies outside these, please reconsider your pitch.

Personalized

You don’t have to know my favorite vacation spot (it’s St. John, by the way), but at least mention my name in the salutation. Blanket, generic emails beginning with “Dear Blogger” or “To Whom it May Concern” are getting deleted quickly.

Brief

If it’s more than 3-4 paragraphs, it’s too long. Brevity is your friend. Use it.

Actionable

Don’t leave me hanging. Tell me exactly what you want from me. Be honest with me and I’ll be honest with you.

Engaging

Remember: I want to like your pitch. But it’s your job to ensure my eyes don’t glaze over. Make it interesting or meet my trash folder.

Well-researched

Take a tour through my blog before you reach out. Find out what I write about, who I admire and how often I write. It’s really not that tough folks.

Anchor your pitch in these words, and you’re likely to receive a reply back—quickly.