Some publicity seekers find TV the toughest medium to crack. Whether or not that’s true, it can also be the toughest medium in which to pull off a masterful appearance. Factors that have little or no impact on how well you come across print can sabotage your effectiveness on television. For example, when Caroline Kennedy attempted to explain why she wanted an appointment to … [Read more...]
Pitching Reporters: What Not To Do
Reporters need ideas from you to write their stories. But there is a right way and a wrong way to pitch your story. Here are a few tips on what not to do. Don’t even think of breaking these rules if you want to get published. Don’t assume they have all the time in the world to talk to you. They don’t. They are always busy. Don’t assume they want to hear new pitches. … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Building Relationships with Reporters
When you pitch a reporter with your great story idea, remember that reporters aren’t looking to find a new best friend. Reporters are looking for experts and sources who can give them information they need to write their stories. Too many PR people try to become reporters’ friends by asking about their weekend activities, their families and the like. Stop. They don’t want a … [Read more...]
We Are Not Alone: The Writer’s Guide to Social Media
Social Media is more popular than ever. As society becomes more and more technologically advanced, people are seeking new ways to interact. Humans are social creatures. Relationships and community are vital to our survival and our mental and emotional health. Writers, published and unpublished, fiction and non-fiction are hearing words like platform and brand with increasing … [Read more...]
Fifteen Things the Media Hate
Not Taking "No" for an Answer - When your media contact says "no," accept it. Long News Releases - One killer page is all you need. If the media want more, they'll ask for it. Lying, Hype and Misrepresentation - Be honest and reasonable. Your media contacts won't forget who got them burned by lies; nor will they give you the chance to do it again. Lack of Preparation - … [Read more...]
Press Releases: Grab ‘Em Fast and Don’t Let Go
For radio and TV: Approach producers as if they have ADD (attention deficit disorder). Get their attention fast. If your press release doesn't capture the producers' attention within the first ten seconds, you're dead; they'll be off on something else. They seldom read press releases, but when they do, they usually just scan the headlines and bullets. Producers' lives are … [Read more...]
3 Questions on Media and PR with 3 Fabulous Answers
Q: Okay, so what is the #1 secret for getting PR? A: Be Timely, and have a great Hook! Here are two examples of how I got booked by being timely: I was able to successfully use the #1 secret to getting PR by being timely– and got 2 immediate bookings. First I was quoted in MomLogic.com (which is an offshoot of AOL Living) with this pitch during the primaries: Joe … [Read more...]
Before Oprah – 5 Tips for PR Professionals Who’ve Struck Gold
The following is for hard working PR professionals and those who strive to promote their own work. When that golden day comes, and a producer or journalist calls you and says, "you're going to be on the XYZ show," or "you're going to be featured in XYZ," it pays to be ready with the appropriate media materials, and followup plan... but for those initial moments of utter joy … [Read more...]