TV reporter Shawne Duperon and I had a blast brainstorming “103 Sizzling Story Ideas from July through December.”
October is bursting with ideas about the second largest retail holiday of the year that you can pitch to newspapers, magazines and TV stations. Here are some we’re suggesting you use:
—That pretty pumpkin looks great now, but how can you extend its porch life so that it isn’t shriveled by Halloween? Garden centers and horticulture experts can offer tips.
—What are the best second-hand stores in your town where people can shop for clothing and other items to make Halloween costumes?
—Dental offices should create a list of the worst trick-or-treat candy and other Halloween snacks, like caramel apples, for people who wear braces.
—Will trick-or-treaters be dressing up like certain celebrities this year? See “Special Report #50: How to Piggyback onto Celebrity News to Promote Your Product, Service, Cause or Issue.”
—Sponsor a pumpkin-carving contest and invite the local TV station to bring their cameras. Contestants, of course, carve the station’s call letters in the pumpkin.
—What safety tips can pumpkin carvers follow to keep fingers and other body parts out of harm’s way?
If you’re pitching national magazines, remember that many editors are working on issues that will be published after the first of the year. See “116 WOW! Story Ideas from January through June.”