Write like you talk. That's the easiest way to communicate a message in a clear and compelling way. I harp on this repeatedly to those in my Mentor Program. Yet far too many writers build roadblocks when they write. They use stodgy words and phrases that slow down readers. Here are six writing roadblocks you should eliminate from your news … [Read more...]
How to find a publicist
It happened again this week. Two Publicity Hounds called and asked for my recommendation for a publicist. They expected me to rattle off a list of my top three choices, including contacting information. As I stated in my ebook "How to Hire the Perfect Publicist," I rarely if ever do that because I don't know whether the most important … [Read more...]
Use Meetup.com in your publicity campaign
If you're looking for a group with interests similar to yours and near your own community, or you want to target a group of people with a particular interest, consider Meetup.com. Formed in New York three years ago, the group has spawned smaller groups in 1,432 cities worldwide, including more than 1,200 in the United States. Pick a topic … [Read more...]
Include statistics when pitching a story idea
The next time you're reading a newspaper or magazine article, notice how many times the reporter mentions statistics high in the story. You should do the same when you pitch. That's because statistics help validate a story. I found the following statistics in just one section of the Weekend Edition of the Wall Street Journal: ---In November, … [Read more...]
Pitch ‘best of’ and ‘worst of’ year-end lists
This is the time of year to be pitching year-end lists. Thanks to Publicity Hound Scott Hansen of Carnation, Washington, for alerting us to the "2005 Most Unbelievable Workplace Events" issued by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, Inc. They're designed to make you ask, "What in the world was that company thinking?" … [Read more...]
How to promote a book about inexpensive toys that bring out your child’s creativity
Publicity Hound Tim Martin of Corona, California writes: "I am working with Rex Bowlby, the author of the book 'Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box?...101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, Children, with the Least from Your Wallet.' It provides a treasure chest full of ideas on teaching and bonding with your kids using everyday … [Read more...]
Inflight magazine debuts
If you're pitching inflight magazines, here's a new one to add to your list. US Airways is the new magazine that arises from the merger of US Airways and America West. It replaces Attache which ended an 8-year run in November. The Navigator, the new ezine being published by Bacon's, the media resource guide company, says the new publication will … [Read more...]
Research the media before you pitch
I grumble all the time about media mutts who deliver pitches that have nothing to do whatsoever with the media outlet they're pitching it to. For a perfect example of what I'm talking about, check out this poorly written pitch I received this week from Travel Features Inc., complete with errors: "Kindly find a 900 word travel article on visit to … [Read more...]
Invite reporters to participate in your story
When members of the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania traveled by bus to Albany, Ohio earlier this month to meet with Abercrombie & Fitch and complain about the retailer's controversial T-shirts, a reporter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette rode along with them. The women were upset over sleazy T-shirt slogans such as … [Read more...]
2 new press release distribution services
Thanks to Publicity Hound George Hopkin of the United Arab Emerates for alerting us to two new free press release distribution services: USPRwire and UKPRwire. Both services complement the existing international service ClickPress at which was launched in March this year and is now used and visited by PR professionals and … [Read more...]
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