You pitch a story to a top-tier newspaper. The reporter calls you. You bend over backwards to help with the story. And when it’s finally printed, you’re crestfallen to learn that the reporter never even mentioned your name. The first time it happened to me, I wanted to call the reporter’s boss and complain. And… Read More
When bloggers ask for free products, be generous
When a blogger asks you for a free copy of your book, ebook, CD or other product, resist the urge to say, “If you want it bad enough, buy it.” You wouldn’t say that to a journalist who called asking to review your book, or a music reviewer who called asking for your new CD to review,… Read More
Nashville Opera sponsors ‘Put Me on a Billboard’ Contest
Are you a business or organization celebrating a big anniversary soon? Or how about just a Publicity Hound who wouldn’t mind being a celebrity in your own town? This idea is great for both. This year, the Nashville Opera is sponsoring a “Put Me on a Billboard Contest” to raise funds and awareness for a new opera… Read More
Makers of card game for tweens needs promotion ideas
Shirley James of Ormond Beach, Florida writes: “A partner and I have developed an activity-based trading card for tween girls (ages 7-12) called, UgoGrl at http://www.ugogrl.com/. The cards encourage them to become physically active, mentally challenged, creatively inspired, and socially responsible. This is accomplished across six catgories of real-life fun. Each card has a tip,… Read More
Columnist seeks entrepreneurs who returned to traditional jobs
Are you a business owner who’s happy as a clam after returning to traditional employment? Mildred L. Culp, who writes the column WorkWise which is syndicated in print and online in such newspapers as The Dallas Morning News and Hartford Courant, is looking for sources. If this doesn’t apply to you but you know somebody who fits this… Read More
Journalists search LinkedIn for ideas, topics, trends—and dirt
If you have a profile on LinkedIn, don’t be surprised if a journalist calls and says she found you there. Could be she’s an investigative reporter who’s digging up dirt on your former employer. Or maybe she’s just looking for story ideas, did a search at the site and your profile popped up. Check out 10… Read More
How to promote tutorials on how to speak Chinese
Alex Foo of Christmas Island, Australia writes: “I resigned from a prestigous job three years ago when I discovered that I could help people start Speaking Chinese in 58 minutes with no pen, no paper. “My dream is to help 957,000 people around the world start speaking some basic Chinese before the Beijing Olympic Games… Read More
National mag wants Wisconsin expert on small biz retailers
A writer for a national magazine is looking for experts in Wisconsin who she can interview for advice on how small businesses can enter the world of retailing. She called my good friend Tom Beug of The Summit Group in Milwaukee yesterday, and he emailed me asking if I know anybody. He’ll be talking with her… Read More
How to promote your ‘best of’ honor for more publicity
Thanks to those of you who nominated The Publicity Hound website for this year’s Writer’s Digest “101 Best Websites for Writers.” My website made the list again this year, and I’m thrilled. “Consultant Joan Stewart shares tips on self-promotion and how to get free publicity—a key for any writer living on a tight budget.” When I plucked the magazine… Read More
Journalists using social networking sites to find sources
The 2008 PRWeek/PRNewswire Media Survey reveals some interesting results about the way journalists do their jobs. When they hunt for sources and do research before writing, many of them use three popular social networking sites to save time: LinedIn, MySpace and Facebook. PRWeek surveyed more than 1,200 journalists and bloggers. One out of four say they have a… Read More