Author DK Simoneau of Lakewood, Colorado writes: “I have written a children’s picture book, ‘We’re Having A Tuesday’ that focuses on the issue of divorce. It goes beyond the typical book that centers on divorce not being the child’s fault. Instead, it’s a communication tool meant to help children and adults discuss the frustrations of… Read More
Celebrity gossip: Tie it to your own publicity
For years, Debra Holtzman kept wishing and hoping that she’d generate publicity in top-tier newspapers and magazines and on the big morning TV shows like “Good Morning, America” because of her expertise in child safety. But the wishing and hoping got her a media hit here and there. Then Debra found the key that not… Read More
Political best-seller list in New York Times online editions
The New York Times is adding a new best-seller list for political books. But the line-up is only being posted on the website’s book section, along with the paper’s other best-seller lists. Why only online? I’m guessing because of space considerations in the newspaper. During the last several years, many newspapers have drastically reduced the amount of space they devote… Read More
WALK! magazine needs copy, photos for winter gift guide
Cindi Leerman of WALK! Magazine writes: I am the editor/publisher/owner of WALK! Magazine, a new quarterly publication. I’m planning a gift giving guide for the Winter issue. However, I have no idea how to get submissions or who to contact. Athletic stores? Walking clubs? Readers? Manufacturers? Any suggestions you can offer would be appreciated! Cindi Leeman… Read More
Photo captions require care, accuracy
In my newspaper days, incorrect or poorly written captions caused more problems, and required more corrections, than any other part of the newspaper. If you can learn how to write great captions for photos you submit to the media, you will increase the chances of an accurate caption that doesn’t require a correction the following day.… Read More
Dermatologist needs tips to promote a book on caring for skin
Dr. Barry Lycka, a cosmetic dermatologist from Alberta, British Columbia writes: “I recently wrote the book ”Restoring Youth: How To Keep and Restore Your Natural Beauty.” It’s about how our skin is at the mercy of the sun, harsh weather, our own bad habits and our age. “It discusses the myriad of procedures and treatments… Read More
Rosie O’Donnell’s zinger a perfect opportunity for Publicity Hounds
This morning, as I was writing the lead item for today’s issue of my ezine on how to piggyback your news off of celebrities, the gals on the set of the ABC daytime hit “The View” were knee-deep in a discussion about the Middle East. As co-host Elizabeth Hasselbeck, a conservative, was making a comment about “radical Islam,”… Read More
Press release writing workshop Oct. 31 in West Bend, Wisconsin
If you live in Greater Milwaukee, join me on October 31 for my first-ever workshop on how to write powerful press releases. It will be held at the University of Wisconsin in Washington County as part of its series called “Adding to Your Organization’s Toolbox—Media and Public Relations.” I’ll present that session over a brown-bag… Read More
Event calendars: How to guarantee a listing
Generating publicity for a big event this fall or winter? Don’t put so much thought and effort into getting a big two-page spread—complete with photos, maps and a schedule of events—in your local daily newspaper, then overlook a critical little detail that can land you in hot water. Don’t forget about securing a spot on… Read More
Google Alerts a great way to learn about reporters
If you’re trying to pitch a certain reporter or columnist, learn all you can about the kinds of stories they write. But how can you do that if you don’t know where to look? Easy. Go to Google Alerts and type in the reporter’s name, then wait for Google to feed you a list of articles the reporter… Read More