Pitch Status & Lifecycle in Velveteen
Updated June 11, 2026
A Velveteen pitch moves through six statuses: draft (editable), submitted (in Velveteen review), approved (queued for delivery), delivered (sent to DSP editorial), needs work (returned for edits), and rejected (declined). Only draft and needs-work pitches can be edited and resubmitted.
Pitch status tells you where your editorial submission is in Velveteen's pipeline. It is not a playlist placement indicator. Delivered means the handoff to DSP editorial channels happened, not that a curator added your track.
Status reference
Draft
You are still editing. Readiness panel visible. Save and submit when ready.
Submitted
Locked for editing. In Velveteen's review queue. Admins approve, return, or reject.
Approved
Passed Velveteen review. Queued for delivery to DSP editorial teams.
Delivered
Transmitted to DSP editorial channels. Outcome tracking shifts to streaming data.
Needs work
Returned with feedback. Unlocked for edits. Resubmit when readiness passes again.
Rejected
Declined. Release unaffected. Review feedback if provided; you may create a new pitch if circumstances change.
Typical happy path
Draft → Submitted → Approved → Delivered. Most of the calendar time sits in draft (your writing) and submitted (Velveteen review). Delivery is usually the shortest transition. It confirms the editorial package left Velveteen, not that curators have acted on it yet.
Tip
Branching paths
From submitted, admins can set needs work instead of approving. You edit, resubmit, and re-enter the submitted state. Rejection is terminal for that pitch record. Your release continues toward its release date independently.
Heads up
Frequently asked questions
How long does Velveteen review take?+
Review timelines vary with queue volume. You receive an in-app notification when your pitch is approved, returned as needs work, or rejected. There is no fixed SLA. Submit early so review time does not eat into editorial lead time.
What does 'queued for delivery' mean?+
Approved pitches enter a delivery queue. Velveteen transmits the editorial package to DSP channels. Status changes to delivered once transmission completes.
Can I delete a submitted pitch?+
Draft pitches can be deleted freely. Submitted or later pitches may have downstream editorial state. Deletion of non-draft pitches requires explicit confirmation and may not be possible after delivery.
What happens when a pitch is marked needs work?+
Velveteen unlocks the pitch for editing and includes admin feedback explaining what to fix. Address the notes, re-pass readiness, and resubmit. Status returns to submitted on resubmission.
Does rejected mean my music was bad?+
Rejected means Velveteen or the editorial program declined this submission, often for timing, completeness, fit, or policy reasons. It does not affect your release and is not a judgment on the music itself.
Related articles
Overview
The full pitching workflow: what a pitch is, when to submit, what goes in it, and how Velveteen tracks it from draft to delivery.
After you submit
Review timelines, delivery to editorial teams, and what acceptance does, and doesn't, mean.
Creating a pitch
Where to start, what release states qualify, and how the pitch detail tabs are organized.