Those tabloid-size parents magazines, free or by subscription, might welcome your child-related story.
When I was in Columbus, Ohio last week to speak to the National Association of Home Builders, I picked up the current issue of Columbus parent. It gave me all kinds of ideas about stories you can pitch:
–The magazine interviewed two girls chosen to share the role of Clara in this year’s production of The Nutcracker. If you’re an arts group, pitch stories about children who are in your shows.
–An article titled “9 Hot Spots for Tots” reviewed nine places in Columbus that are perfect for the kids. It included children’s playgrounds, the metroparks, a play area in a local mall, and the zoo.
–A story about the strong-willed parent and disciplining children quoted executives at local nonprofits like counseling centers. If your nonprofit deals with children’s issues, invite the parents magazines to call on you for quotes.
–Is there a connection between sippy cups and speech development? Some experts say there is, and the magazine quoted speech language pathologists.
–A story about how online predators prey on children had tips galore on how you can protect your kids. Internet experts and computer consultants should offer free tips to their local parents magazine.
–An article about Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder included a helpful sidebar titled “Common myths and facts about ADD/ADHD. Consider a “myth and facts” feature about your child-related story.
–The magazine had almost a full page of book reviews, written by children’s librarians. Does your library offer book reviews to your local newspapers and magazines?
Now that you know what to pitch, learn how to pitch. Publicity expert Raleigh Pinskey was my guest during a teleseminar earlier this year called”How to Create the Perfect 30-Second Pitch.“