Somebody just send me an email with a subject line “Quick question for members of the media”: Good morning! Quick question . . . . If you were to go to ONE press conference a week, which would be your favorite day? Is Monday a good day, at the start of the week? Not Friday,… Read More
Write a letter to the editor to promote your expertise
When you can’t think of a story idea to pitch, and you’re dying to get into a certain online or print publication, write a letter to the editor. That’s what I did just now after reading the August issue of Independent, the excellent newsletter (it’s more like a magazine) published by the Independent Book Publishers Association. An article… Read More
Publisher needs to promote humorous stories of quadriplegic
Susan Carter of Bloomington, Minnesota writes: “I own a small book publishing company and recently took on a project that’s near and dear to my heart: a memoir of the life of a man who has lived as a quadriplegic for more than 40 years. “It’s particularly relevant to returning vets who have sustained spinal cord injuries and amputations,… Read More
Promote nursing homes, senior centers with this tech angle
One of the most difficult jobs for PR people is promoting a nursing home, extended care facility, retirement community or even a senior citizens center. That’s because some of these places don’t have that much going on. But I got an idea for a terrific angle just now, thanks to Janet Podolak, a good friend and former co-worker… Read More
Don’t hide behind a cloak of anonymity on Facebook
If I’m going to spend time on Facebook replying to messages, writing on walls, and reading invitations to events, I want to see the whites of people’s eyes. And I want to know their names. I won’t waste time responding to a company whose only form of identification is their logo. I just completed Part… Read More
Author needs list of book clubs, book discussion groups
Larry Richards of Raleigh, North Carolina asks: “Where can an author get accurate information about the many book clubs and book discussion groups that exist in the U.S.? “My book is titled The Blind Prophet, one of six books in my Invisible War series, and it’s a story about angels and demons. It should be… Read More
Grade Edwards’ ‘Nightline’ interview: How did he do?
Put politics aside for a minute. If you saw the interview that ABC’s “Nightline” did with former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards on Friday night, tell us how you think he did from a PR standpoint. If you missed the interview, you can watch it in two parts here and here. I don’t care if… Read More
Pompous elevator pitches turn off reporters and others
When somebody asks “What do you do?” how do you respond? If your answer includes words with multiple syllables or jargon, words that only people in your industry can understand, you’ve probably forced their brain into shut-down mode. The Philadelphia Inquirer article “Too many firms use jargon to convey ideas” offers example after example of… Read More
Newspaper food sections shrinking, so pitch wisely
If you’re pitching food editors and reporters at daily or weekly newspapers, your job is more difficult than ever. As newspapers continue to cut staff, lifestyle-related sections are among the first on the chopping block. Also, at many papers, sections such as food, travel and entertainment are no longer stand-alone sections. They’re combined under one… Read More
How does musicians’ social networking site spread the word?
Kevin Gardiner of Tolland, Connecticut writes: “I am the president of Tune Rooms, a social network for musicians that lets users collaborate in virtual song-writing sessions. “Since we launched our site, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback. But the main gripe that we don’t have enough users. I need to figure out how to grow the… Read More