Getting your story in the New York Times is a dream for many business owners, creators, and professionals. With millions of readers worldwide, it’s more than just press coverage—it’s a chance to be seen as a trusted authority.
But breaking into such a respected publication can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. The good news is, with the right approach, it’s possible.
In this guide, we’ll walk through clear, practical steps on how to get featured in the New York Times without overcomplicating the process.
Why Getting Featured in the New York Times Matters
Being mentioned in the New York Times is not just about publicity—it’s about credibility. When your name or brand appears in such a trusted publication, people immediately see you in a different light. It tells your audience, customers, and even competitors that your work is worth paying attention to.
For us, we’ve seen how powerful this kind of recognition can be. A single feature can open doors to new clients, speaking opportunities, and collaborations that would have been harder to secure otherwise. It works almost like a stamp of approval that says, “This person or company is doing something important.”
Another reason it matters is the reach. The New York Times has readers all over the world, including decision-makers, journalists, and investors. One article has the potential to create a ripple effect—other outlets may pick up the story, which multiplies your exposure.
Finally, there’s the long-term impact. Getting featured once can boost your online reputation for years. From search engine visibility to building trust with new audiences, the benefits go far beyond the day the article is published.
Understanding How the New York Times Works
Before you can pitch your story, it helps to know how the New York Times operates. This is not a place where random press releases get published. The paper is built on strong editorial standards, and its writers look for stories that matter to people, not just promotions for a business or product.
The New York Times has different types of contributors. Some are full-time staff reporters, some are columnists with their own voice, and others are freelancers who write for specific sections. Each one has a unique style and focus. Knowing who you’re reaching out to is half the work—you wouldn’t pitch the same story to a tech reporter that you’d send to someone covering lifestyle.
One thing I’ve learned is that reporters here value originality. They don’t want a generic idea they’ve already covered a hundred times. They want data, insights, or a fresh perspective that their readers can connect with. If you can tie your story to a current trend, social issue, or human experience, you have a much better chance of catching their attention.
In short, the New York Times works on trust, relevance, and quality storytelling. Once you understand that, it becomes easier to shape your pitch in a way that fits their standards.
Build a Strong Foundation Before Pitching
Before you even think about reaching out to a New York Times journalist, you need to make sure your foundation is solid. Reporters are more likely to take you seriously if you already look credible from the outside. That means having a professional website, active social profiles, and some proof of the work you’ve done. If your online presence is messy or incomplete, it can raise doubts about whether your story is worth telling.
It also helps to have a clear brand story. Ask yourself: what makes you or your business different? Why should readers care about what you’re doing right now? Journalists don’t want just another generic business pitch—they want to highlight people and ideas that stand out. When you know your story and can connect it to something meaningful, your pitch feels much stronger.
Another key part of building a foundation is timing. If your work connects to something that’s already making news, your chances of getting noticed increase. For example, if you’re working in clean energy and there’s a big conversation happening about climate change, tying your story to that conversation gives it more weight.
The stronger your foundation, the easier it becomes to show journalists that you’re not just another name in their inbox—you’re someone worth paying attention to.
How to Write a Media Pitch for the New York Times
Writing a media pitch for the New York Times is very different from sending out a standard press release. Reporters here get hundreds of emails every single day, so your pitch has to stand out. The first step is to keep it short and to the point. Long, wordy messages will likely get ignored. Think of your pitch as a quick introduction that makes them curious to learn more.
A strong subject line is crucial. If it doesn’t grab their attention, they won’t even open the email. Instead of writing something vague like “Exciting business news,” try to be specific: “How local startups are tackling climate change in new ways.” It shows value right away and gives them a reason to click.
In the body of the pitch, focus on what makes your story unique and why it matters now. Reporters aren’t interested in pure self-promotion—they want stories that connect with their readers. Include facts, data, or a personal angle that makes the story feel real and relevant.
It’s also important to personalize your pitch. Mention a recent article the journalist wrote and explain why your story fits into their beat. This shows that you’ve done your homework and that you respect their work.
Finally, end with a clear call to action. Offer to provide more details, an interview, or exclusive access. Make it as easy as possible for them to follow up. The goal of your pitch isn’t to tell your entire story—it’s to spark enough interest for the journalist to want to know more.
Using Press Releases Effectively
Press releases can still play an important role when trying to get noticed by the New York Times, but they have to be done the right way. A press release should not feel like an advertisement—it should read like a piece of news. Journalists are looking for information that is relevant, timely, and backed by facts, not just big claims about how great your business is.
When writing a press release, keep it straightforward. Start with a strong headline that explains the news in plain language. In the first paragraph, answer the basics: who, what, when, where, and why it matters. Don’t bury the important details in long introductions—reporters don’t have time to dig.
Formatting also matters. A clean, professional press release that’s easy to scan shows respect for the journalist’s time. Bullet points, quotes, and data points make the story easier to understand quickly. Always include a contact person who can respond right away if the journalist needs more information.
Distribution is the final step. Sending your press release to every email address you can find rarely works. Instead, focus on targeted outreach—share it with the right reporters who actually cover your type of story. That’s where the difference is made. A good press release, in the right hands, can be the spark that leads to bigger media coverage.
A Smarter Way to Earn Backlinks from The New York Times
Getting your brand or expertise mentioned in The New York Times is often seen as the gold standard of media exposure. Traditionally, people try to achieve this by sending press releases, pitching story ideas, or hiring expensive PR firms.
While those methods can work, there’s now a smarter, more accessible approach: using journalist–source platforms like HARO, Qwoted, and Featured. These tools give you a direct line to reporters at major publications, including The New York Times, who are actively looking for expert insights to support their articles.
Instead of pushing your own story, the process flips. Reporters publish a request outlining what they need, and you supply tailored expertise in response. If your contribution is chosen, you could be quoted in the article, often alongside your professional title, brand name, or website link. Not only does this secure a coveted backlink from The New York Times, but it also positions you as a credible voice in your industry.
Success with this method comes from being proactive. Monitor queries daily, respond quickly, and craft answers that are both concise and genuinely useful. Journalists don’t want fluff—they want insights, data points, or unique perspectives they can’t find elsewhere. Over time, consistently showing up as a reliable source increases your chances of being featured.
This approach requires more effort than money, making it one of the most affordable yet powerful ways to earn authority and visibility in The New York Times.
Conclusion
Getting featured in the New York Times takes preparation, strategy, and persistence, but the rewards are worth it.
From building trust to reaching new audiences, the impact can last for years. By focusing on strong storytelling and genuine connections with journalists, you put yourself in a better position to stand out.
If you’re ready to move forward, our team can help you navigate the process and share your story with the right people. Let’s start building your media presence today.
FAQs
How hard is it to get on The New York Times bestseller list?
Making it onto the New York Times bestseller list is challenging. In most cases, an author needs to sell at least 5,000 copies of a book in a single week, sometimes more, depending on the category. Sales also need to come from a variety of retailers and different regions, not just one source. On top of that, the Times uses its own confidential method for analyzing sales data, which makes the process less predictable.
How much does The New York Times pay for an article?
The payment depends on the section and the project. For example, The New York Times Magazine pays freelance writers anywhere between $0.50 and $2.75 per word for both print and online pieces. The exact rate usually varies based on the writer’s experience, the type of story, and the length of the article.
How do you successfully pitch The New York Times?
A strong pitch is short, clear, and relevant. Start with an engaging subject line that tells the journalist what your story is about in just a few words. Introduce yourself briefly, mention your background or expertise, and explain why you’re the right person to share this story. Then, describe your idea in two or three paragraphs, focusing on why it matters to readers right now.
What qualifies you to be a New York Times bestseller?
To qualify as a New York Times bestseller, a book typically needs to sell between 5,000 and 10,000 copies in a single week. These sales must come from multiple bookstores and online retailers across different regions. While it may sound simple, the Times also considers other factors and uses a proprietary tracking system, which makes the list highly competitive.
How do I submit a short story to The New Yorker?
If you want to send a short story to The New Yorker, you can email it as a PDF attachment to fiction@newyorker.com. Submissions can also be mailed to: Fiction Editor, The New Yorker, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. The editors review all submissions within about ninety days and will get in touch if they’re interested in publishing your work.
