This will be a weekly feature designed to aid freelancers by teaching them what not to do with pitch letters. In order for it to work we need input from our editors. If you're an editor that regularly deals with freelancers, read on.

Editors, if you are interested in receiving better pitch letters, send me the pitch letters you have received that you have passed on, letting me know why exactly you declined this particular pitch. Was it because the idea was proposed poorly? Because the author displayed a total lack of knowledge of your publication? Was it just the attitude? Names will be removed to protect the innocent, so you can be anonymous as well (although it would be nice to say what type of publication you work for.) Please send them in if you've got them.