Here are the biggest mistakes people make when they pitch TV talk show producers. They pitch a producer whose name they added to their Rolodex four years ago, but they haven’t contacted the producer since then. They contact the wrong producer at the show and don’t know who’s the correct one for their topic. The lead the… Read More
Why you should put your book on Google Book Search
Authors and publishers have gotten their underwear all tied up in knots over Google Book Search, which lets people do a search for a particular topic, then scan the full text of books that are related to it. When Google finds a book whose content contains a match for the search terms, it links the book to your… Read More
Technorati/Associated Press service a great deal for bloggers, newspaper readers
Many traditional newspaper readers who don’t know anything about blogs will be exposed to them, and bloggers who comment on breaking news stories can now get more exposure as a result of the joint venture between Technorati and the Associated Press. An agreement by both companies will provide up-to-the-minute links that help readers navigate between AP news… Read More
Christian recording artist needs publicity tips
Jilleen of Santa Ana, California writes: “I am a Christian recording artist and speaker from Santa Ana, California. I recently released a new CD project called “The Hymns Experience.” It’s an interactive modern-day musical journey into the history of America’s all-time favorite hymns. To listen to a few songs from the album, please visit http://www.jilleen.com/music.html… Read More
Cosmetic surgery pitches don’t need a tie-in to celebrities
Pitching a story about cosmetic surgery? If so, you no longer need to tie it to a celebrity, says the may 15 issue of PR Week. Coverage on all types of procedures, including nose jobs, skin peels, tummy tucks and breast augmentation has become mainstream. The media are also devoting more coverage to things like hair… Read More
Trade press editors know what they want, so follow these 10 tips
If you’re pitching the trade press, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is telling an editor that you just bought an ad. Most reputable trade press editors don’t care, and like their brothers and sisters at consumer magazines and newspapers, they will be insulted that you mentioned it. That’s one of 10 tips offered… Read More
Diane Rehm Show doesn’t want self-published authors
If you’re trying to get onto “The Diane Rehm Show” on National Public Radio, forget about pitching her for an author interview if you’re self-published. “If a publishing house is not interested in publishing your book, there has got to be a reason,” she said, speaking on a panel at the Publishers Marketing Association University today. … Read More
Horticulture magazine wants product info for holiday gift guide
Do you sell the perfect pair of gardening gloves? Or hand-made herb markers that any gardener would be proud to display among the basil and oregano? How about furniture with a garden theme? Or outdoor or patio products with panache? If so, the bimonthly Horticulture magazine (circ. 209,889) wants to know about it for their holiday gift guide to be… Read More
Publicists, clients need prenuptial agreements
I wish every publicist or PR person would sign a prenuptial agreement with their client before signing the actual contract. The prenup would make it clear that the publicist has ultimate control over things like the exact wording of pitches to the media, or the length and wording of press releases. Based on my work the… Read More
Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary needs publicity, marketing tips
Leanne Fielder of Melbourne, Australia writes: “I work for the Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. For over 35 years, volunteers and a skeleton staff have transformed 71 acres of degraded land into a rich and diverse area full of rare and unique flora and fauna that have not been seen in… Read More