How To Submit A Story To Investigation Discovery

Got a True Crime Tale That'll Make Viewers Sleep with the Lights On? Let's Get It on ID!

So, you've got a story. Not just any story, but a real-life thriller – the kind that makes your blood run cold, the kind that could only happen in the real world, and the kind that would absolutely KILL (pun intended!) on Investigation Discovery (ID).

But where do you even begin turning your chilling narrative into the next binge-worthy true crime docuseries?

First things first: You're not submitting a manuscript.

Let's get one thing straight: you're not sending in a fully written book or a complete screenplay. ID isn't looking for finished products from random folks.

They are looking for the ideas, the potential, the raw, gripping stories that production companies can then sink their teeth into.

Think Like a Pitch Person (Without the Annoying Jingle).

Imagine you're trying to sell the most terrifying toaster oven EVER. You wouldn't just hand someone the entire appliance without explaining why it's so special, right?

You'd highlight the killer (again, pun intended!) features – like how it perfectly browns bagels while simultaneously whispering spooky secrets. Your story pitch is similar. Focus on the core elements.

Here's the Secret Sauce: Find the Production Companies.

ID works with production companies to create their shows. These are the folks you need to woo. Think of them as the gatekeepers to true crime glory.

How do you find them? Watch ID! Pay close attention to the end credits of your favorite shows.

See a production company logo you like? Bingo! Write that name down. You are now on the hunt!

Crafting Your Killer Pitch (Okay, I'll Stop with the Puns… Maybe).

Once you've identified a few production companies, it's time to craft your pitch. This is where you condense your whole story into a compelling summary.

Keep it concise! Aim for a page or two max. Think of it as the movie trailer for your true crime masterpiece.

What to Include in Your Pitch:

• The Hook: Start with the most shocking or intriguing aspect of the story. Grab their attention immediately!
• The Victim(s): Who were they? Make us care about them.
• The Crime: Lay out the facts of the crime in a clear, concise manner. What happened?
• The Investigation: What twists and turns did the investigation take? Were there any red herrings?
• The Suspect(s)/Perpetrator(s): Who were the prime suspects? What were their motives?
• The Resolution: Was justice served? What was the outcome of the case?
• Why This Story? What makes your story unique and perfect for ID? This is your chance to shine!

Reaching Out (Without Being Creepy).

Finding contact information for production companies can be tricky. Their websites are a good starting point.

LinkedIn can also be a valuable resource. Remember, professionalism is key! A polite, well-written email goes a long way.

Don't stalk them. Don't call them repeatedly. Be patient. These companies get tons of submissions. Following up once is fine, but hounding them will get you nowhere.

A Word of Caution: Protect Yourself!

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals out there. Never pay a fee to have your story considered. Reputable production companies don't charge for submissions.

And remember, unless you are using previously public information, you'll probably need releases from anyone you're writing about.

Rejection Happens (It's Not You, It's Them… Probably).

Even the best stories get rejected sometimes. Don't take it personally! It could be that the production company is already working on a similar project, or that your story just doesn't fit their current needs.

Keep refining your pitch, keep researching production companies, and keep believing in your story. Your true crime tale could be the next big thing on Investigation Discovery!

Good luck, and happy pitching!