If you’re a woman, and you’ve been targeting the Los Angeles Times for an op-ed piece and have had no luck, this could be an ideal time to try again. Syndicated columnist Susan Estrich says the Times is guilty of blatant discrimination for not running more opinion pieces by women. In a Valentine’s Day email… Read More
Target smaller niche publications
When you’re creating a media plan for yourself or a client, don’t overlook all those second- and third-level publications–from free weekly shoppers to alternative newspapers–that might be hungry for your story idea or article. When I was in Studio City, California in February to speak to the Book Publicists of Southern California, I picked up… Read More
Things to consider when hiring a publicist
At least once a week, somebody emails me and asks if I can recommend a good publicist. Sure, I could. But usually, I don’t. That’s because you need to consider dozens of factors before hiring one. –How much money can you spend? –Do you want to get into only big national media, or do you… Read More
Congratulate journalists
From now until June, you’ll be seeing articles about journalists whose newspapers, magazines, TV stations and radio stations have won industry awards. The American Society of Newspaper Editors, for example, announced its 2005 winners recently. Why is this important to Publicity Hounds? Because these awards are important to journalists. And if one of the award-winners… Read More
Why newspapers are ailing
Publicity Hounds need to stay abreast of emerging media trends. For example, the proliferation of blogs, online discussion rooms and other Internet sources of news have made newspapers less relevant than ever. This excellent article in The Washington Post explains more reasons why. You’ll have to register at their website to gain access. The article… Read More
Author includes relevant keywords in press releases
If you’re trying to position yourself as an expert, you can often attract media attention if you’re in the right place at the right time. Specifically, near the top of the list that a search engine produces when a journalist is searching online for someone with your expertise. Marilyn Anderson, author of “Never Kiss a… Read More
How to promote Nordic jewelry
Donald Hansen of Issaquah, Washington, whose company makes Nordic jewelry, wants to know how to promote the products. From Margaret Vos of Wellington, New Zealand: "How about finding some Nordic genealogy sites and offering your products through them? If I were of Nordic descent, I’d love to buy something meaningful and historical for grandma, mom,… Read More
How to Get Booked on “The View”
After finally landing a spot on a major TV talk show, publicists and guests sometimes make the big mistake of thanking the wrong person. They send flowers, or candy, or baskets of muffins, or cute little gifts that they know the Barbara Walters and Joy Behars of the world will love. But they ignore the… Read More
Beware of the confidante
File this under the category of tricks reporters use to loosen your lips. I’m speaking specifically about the reporter who acts like a confidante–a trusted friend who is standing by ready to hear about your problems, and then commiserate. Here are phrases they might use: "Don’t you think it’s terrible that…" "I don’t think it’s… Read More
Dad gets ideas for promoting “Father of a Preemie”
Jeff Stimpson of New York, New York wrote the book "Alex: The Fathering of a Preemie" and wants ideas on how to get speaking engagements throughout the U.S. to promote the book. From Christina Steder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin: "I would suggest partnering with the March of Dimes. They are in the midst of a five-year,… Read More