Last fall, I noticed a recurring trend.

In my writers’ groups on Facebook, people were always asking questions like…

I pitched this story to Tractors Are Sexy Monthly, but they turned it down. Any ideas where else I should pitch it?

I have a story about how running became my only source of sanity after I popped out a baby. Which outlets would be interested?

When I had freelance stories bumbling around in my brain, I’d often ask myself the same questions.

For those of you who aren’t writers and want to understand what I’m talking about, you can click here to read my silly 21-step process for getting freelance stories published.

Or, just know that freelancers don’t work for a particular site. When they get a story idea, they need to brainstorm ALL the websites and magazines in the world, and then, somehow, decide which one might want their idea.

So one day, I thought to myself: Why isn’t there a website for figuring out where to pitch ideas?

I typed wheretopitch.com into the search bar; it didn’t exist. Miraculously, the domain name was available. I bought it on the spot.

But, unlike the many other domain names I’ve purchased in a flurry of entrepreneurial enthusiasm, I actually started working on it.

And three months later, Where to Pitch is now ready for the world.

How Much It Cost to Build Where to Pitch

  • WordPress theme: $59
  • Domain: $12.95 per year
  • Hosting: Free, since I added it to my current hosting package
  • Research and data entry help: $353.80
  • Technical help: $150
  • Logo: $6 (I drew it, then paid a Fiverr human to vector it)

In total, this website cost me $581.75 to launch. Oh, and according to FreshBooks, 29 hours of my time.

It’s certainly got flaws. The search isn’t as refined as I’d like it to be, but I really couldn’t afford to dump more money into it; fixing it is definitely on the “someday” list.  

I’m not planning to pay for marketing (yet). To help promote it, I’m publishing guest posts on The Write Life and The Penny Hoarder, two blogs with which I already have good relationships. I’m also sharing it here and on my social media channels.

What’s the Point?

If you were a sensible kind of person, you might say: You spent nearly $600 and a week’s worth of time on this new site. How’s it going to make money?

To be honest, I wouldn’t have a good response. I doubt this site is going to make me rich. I have a few affiliate links on the resources page, but no clue if they’ll convert.

It doesn’t really matter to me, though, because I wanted to make it.

There was a problem, and I wanted to offer a solution.

A solution that helps other freelance writers, a community I’ve grown to love. A community that’s been incredibly supportive and giving over the years. And a community whose scrappy resourcefulness impresses me daily. 

I don’t believe a website or project has to make money to be worthwhile. It can benefit others AND your brand simply by existing. (Or at least that’s what I’m hoping!)

What might surprise you? Even if Where to Pitch is a total flop, I’m satisfied.

The reason why is I’m a shiny-object-chasing entrepreneur. I have tons of ideas, lists full of ideas, that I don’t pursue. Or others that I abandon halfway when I get excited about something else.

And this project? I finished it; I DELIVERED (my word for 2017).

That’s enough of a win for me.

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