A reader emailed me today to show me a pitch letter that her friend had composed and wanted to send to her daily newspaper. The letter, about two pages, is meant to interest the media in her business. Not only does it break every rule of pitching etiquette, it pretty much promises that this particular… Read More
Don’t pay for book reviews
A reader emailed me just now, asking if I think it’s ethical for him to charge authors in return for him reviewing their books in his new book review newsletter. “I’d like to pass my costs on to publishers or authors who want their books reviewed,” he said. That’s a horrible idea, for several reasons.… Read More
Human Capital magazine, “Between the Lines” ezine want your pitches
–The publishers of Human Capital magazine are looking for “lessons learned” stories about your employee recognition programs. For example, what worked and what didn’t? What were positive and negative employee reactions? Were there any unexpected reactions? If you have been involved in a recognition program that presented challenges, email Betty Hintch, editor of Human Capital… Read More
Publicity tips for musicians
When musicians email me asking for publicity tips, I share my best advice. Then I lead them to Bob Baker’s website. Bob is a writer, independent musician and former music magazine editor who is dedicated to showing musicians how to get exposure and publicity, connect with fans, sell more CDs, and book more gigs. Here… Read More
Tie into the popularity of poker, bridge
When I called my sister on New Year’s Eve to wish her a happy new year, I asked her what everybody was doing. “The geezers are upstairs watching TV and Tim is in the basement with his buddies playing poker,” she said. Tim is my nephew. He and his buddies are 16. Back when I… Read More
TV loves fitness, diet stories during January
My Jazzercise instructor has already warned us to be braced for packed classes this month. That’s because this is the month when everybody tries to take off what they gained over the holidays. TV stations everywhere want to know about these stories. Here’s an almost guaranteed way to get your company on the local TV… Read More
How to promote a Chicago store that sells accessories and products for men
Publicity Hound Kevin Jackson of Chicago, Illiois writes: “I recently opened a men’s specialty store that does NOT focus on clothes. Rather, it’s a lifestyle concept that sells skin and hair care products, accessories (watches, belts, etc.) and home furnishings (bar accessories and the like) designed for men. I think this is a unique concept… Read More
6 ways to improve writing news releases, media kit content
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… 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… 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… Read More