The next time you’re reading a newspaper or magazine article, notice how many times the reporter mentions statistics high in the story. You should do the same when you pitch. That’s because statistics help validate a story. I found the following statistics in just one section of the Weekend Edition of the Wall Street Journal:… Read More
Pitch ‘best of’ and ‘worst of’ year-end lists
This is the time of year to be pitching year-end lists. Thanks to Publicity Hound Scott Hansen of Carnation, Washington, for alerting us to the “2005 Most Unbelievable Workplace Events” issued by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, Inc. They’re designed to make you ask, “What in the world was that company thinking?” The list… Read More
How to promote a book about inexpensive toys that bring out your child’s creativity
Publicity Hound Tim Martin of Corona, California writes: “I am working with Rex Bowlby, the author of the book ‘Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box?…101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, Children, with the Least from Your Wallet.’ It provides a treasure chest full of ideas on… Read More
Inflight magazine debuts
If you’re pitching inflight magazines, here’s a new one to add to your list. US Airways is the new magazine that arises from the merger of US Airways and America West. It replaces Attache which ended an 8-year run in November. The Navigator, the new ezine being published by Bacon’s, the media resource guide company,… Read More
Research the media before you pitch
I grumble all the time about media mutts who deliver pitches that have nothing to do whatsoever with the media outlet they’re pitching it to. For a perfect example of what I’m talking about, check out this poorly written pitch I received this week from Travel Features Inc., complete with errors: “Kindly find a 900… Read More
Invite reporters to participate in your story
When members of the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania traveled by bus to Albany, Ohio earlier this month to meet with Abercrombie & Fitch and complain about the retailer’s controversial T-shirts, a reporter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette rode along with them. The women were upset over sleazy T-shirt slogans such as “Who needs… Read More
2 new press release distribution services
Thanks to Publicity Hound George Hopkin of the United Arab Emerates for alerting us to two new free press release distribution services: USPRwire and UKPRwire. Both services complement the existing international service ClickPress at which was launched in March this year and is now used and visited by PR professionals and journalists every day. Before… Read More
The best time to pitch is before and after Christmas
I can hear the engines revving right now. It’s the sound of Publicity Hounds starting a pitch-fest that lasts from now through the new year. Savvy Hounds know that this week and next are the very best times to pitch newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, bloggers, ezine publishers and other media that have short deadlines.… Read More
How to promote a new charity that accepts and distributes donated items
Publicity Hound Leah Ingram writes: “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a website that acted as a clearinghouse of information for anyone who wanted to donate anything of value to any group that would gladly accept their donations? Thus my new website/philanthropic venture WheretoDonate.org was born. “If I sent a press release to my… Read More
How to promote an event for teens
Publicity Hound Anthony Ingram writes: I work as a volunteer Hound on a team for a church, and we have an upcoming teen event in February. Our goal is to attract more than 700 teens to an event that will feature vendors in areas such as formalwear, hair salons, nail salons, florists, limo companies, etc.,… Read More