Hoping to book a big-name celebrity for your next special event? It’s not as easy as it sounds. One thing must remember is that for celebrities, time is their most precious commodity. That’s one of several tips from Rita Tateel, president of The Celebrity Source in Hollywood,California whose company recruits celebrities for special events. Rita… Read More
Publicity Blog
Publicity tip—OverTime magazine wants gift bag items for The Billies gala
OverTime Magazine, an elite business and lifestyle publication that serves readers with a household income of $1.5 million, is looking for items to distribute in gift bags for 25 VIP guests and female professional athletes at The Billies dinner benefit gala featuring Sir Elton John. The Billies is scheduled for April 20 at The Beverly… Read More
How to address journalists might phase Miss Manners, but not the journalists
Cheryl Beck, a freelance writer from Ray Township, Michigan writes: “I have been wondering about the proper way to address journalists/editors. When I call and pitch, after a reporter answers, do I address them as they have introduced themselves? If you answered ‘Hello this is Joan’ do I say ‘Hello Joan I am…and calling from…’ or… Read More
InformationWeek editor offers pitching advice
Rob Preston, the new editor in chief of InformationWeek, feels a sense of urgency in showing readers how consumer products are starting to drive their jobs. “We are going to be upping our coverage a notch in the sense of urgency and depth,” Preston said. “That is going to be the overall tone we bring… Read More
Publicity tip—Mom authors can take blogging tour courtesy of Mom Writer’s Talk Radio
Are you a mom author looking for publicity for your book? Mom Writer’s Talk Radio, the premier online talk radio show for writing moms, is starting a Mom Writer’s Blog Tour. Blog tours, which have been gaining in popularity among authors, are a way for writers to gain publicity without spending a dime. The author… Read More
Questions reporters ask might be offbeat, unexpected
I’m going to ask you three questions and I want you to take as much time as you need to think about each one before you answer. Here we go: —If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? And why? —If you were on a desert island, what three… Read More
Publicity tip–How to promote a company that makes custom-fitted soles or foot beds
Louise Epic of Calgary, Alberta, Canada writes: I’m looking for some ideas to incorporate in an awareness and product publicity program for our company, SOLE, which makes custom insoles or foot beds. This product is unique in two ways: it uses a special technology where, after heating the soles in the oven and imprinting your foot, provide a… Read More
Publicity tip–Survey shows PR people think following Associated Press style in press releases is still important
A new survey by a group of business communicators shows that if you aren’t referring to an Associated Press stylebook when writing press releases, letters to the editor or anything else for the media, it shows you really don’t know how to play the publicity game. The AP stylebook is the journalist’s bible. It includes all the rules dictating things such as the… Read More
Publicity tip–Attend business journal meetings on how to use the paper as a prospecting tool
If the business journal in the town where you live invites you to attend a meeting at the paper where you’ll learn lots of tips on how to use the newspaper as a sales tool, you’d be crazy not to go. Thanks to Publicity Hound Carol Rehak of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for tipping me off to the invitation… Read More
Publicity tip: Know when it’s OK to use stock photos in your PR campaign
Ann Van Wagener, design editor at the Poynter Institute, reminds journalists about the many places on the Internet where they can find stock photos when they’re desperate for images. Many can be downloaded for only a few bucks from sites such as Istockphoto, and they’re royalty-free. Her blog item is a good reminder for Publicity Hounds… Read More