I replied to a tweet 9 times before pitching

I replied to a tweet 9 times before pitching

This editor ignores email. So for two weeks I just replied to their tweets — real takes, not 'great post!'. Nine genuine replies.

Day 15 I DM'd: "Been enjoying your stuff — got a piece on [X] that'd fit your blog, want a draft?"

Replied in 11 minutes: "Oh you're [name], yeah send it."

They already knew my face from the timeline. The DM wasn't cold — it was the 10th touch.

Warm the relationship in public, close it in private. Go do it.