“Getting a quick response could mean the difference between them writing that story that day or maybe it gets pushed to the next day if they don't get a response and then Instagram sells for a billion dollars and they don't write about you anymore.”

Give Your Direct Phone Number In The Pitch — A Slow Response Can Kill A Same-Day Story

Journalists work on tight deadlines and news cycles move fast. Panzarino's advice: include your direct contact details (phone number, personal email) in the pitch so a writer can reach you instantly. A same-day response can lock in a same-day story. A delayed response means the news cycle moves on — something bigger happens and your story gets shelved indefinitely.