[dkrich]

Don't feel the need to be courteous or overly polite. In my pitch I didn't even use complete sentences.

Citing my previous example:

Hi,

My name is X and I'm a founding member of [insert name of startup]. We've developed a new way to [do awesome thing phrased as simply as possible, preferably in the context of other popular startups] and are launching today. We like your publication and wanted to give you first crack at a write-up.

Please message me if you're interested and would like more details.

Regards,