I just finished reading the book “Bias—A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News,” written by former CBS correspondent Bernard Goldberg and published about five years ago. It hit No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list. So do I think the media slant the news? I thought they did long before Goldberg’s book. I’m a… Read More
Publicity Blog
How to create an Experts Directory to promote your experts
If you have numerous experts within your company, nonprofit, government agency, trade association or other group, are you making it easy for the media to find them within seconds? For most of you, I’ll bet the answer is no. Take a cue from colleges and universities, which publish annual “experts directories.” The directory is an… Read More
Press releases about new books should explain where readers can buy them
One of the biggest mistakes authors make is sending a press release about their new book to the media, but failing to mention where people can buy the book. I know this because I feature books in my subscription newsletter, The Publicity Hound. At least 7 out of 10 releases, even those sent by major publishing… Read More
Dan Poynter adds second ezine for authors
Publishing expert Dan Poynter, who every author should be watching and following closely, is starting a second ezine for authors. The current monthly ezine, titled Your Publishing Poynters, has 25,000 subscribers and is packed with information for authors and publishers. “Last November, we started a new section in Publishing Poynters:ParaWants-Reviews (on Amazon and B&N wanted),” Dan writes in today’s… Read More
Piggyback onto prime-time TV shows for publicity
So much for the Rev. Daniel Webster, the pill-popping Episcopal priest, and his dysfunctional family. NBC has canceled “The Book of Daniel,” the Friday night drama that featured the Vicodin-addicted priest, his boozing wife, gay son and a bisexual aunt. Oh yeah. And don’t forget Jesus. What a shame. I never saw the show. But the… Read More
How to find freelancers and start forming relationships
When it comes to forming valuable relationships with media people who can help you, treat freelance writers with the same respect you would staff writers. Here’s why they can be so valuable to your publicity campaign: —If you pitch a freelancer, it’s their job to tweak the pitch, flesh out the story, and sell the… Read More
How to promote a book for writers
C. Hope Clark of Phoenix, Arizona writes: “I am author of THE SHY WRITER: An Introvert’s Guide to Writing Success. The thrust of the book is “Sell your words, not your soul” and it is designed for people who cringe at getting up in front of people. It helps them come up with alternatives to… Read More
Pitch story ideas tied to retirement and living longer
Yesterday’s Wall Street Journal includes an excellent special section on retirement planning, living to a ripe old age, and the demands that longevity places on finances and personal ties. “Think you’ll make it to your 100th birthday? Don’t answer too quickly,” says editor Glenn Ruffenach. As the first batch of Baby Boomers nears retirement, this topic is becoming… Read More
31 ways to market with free publicity
The January issue of The Advisor, the monthly newsletter for the American Society for Safety Engineers, includes a cover story I wrote for them on “31 ways to market with free publicity.” When I wrote the article, it didn’t take me long to come with the ideas. Many of them are the same things you can do… Read More
New to publicity? Start at bottom of media ladder
When someone who has never gotten publicity tells me they want to get onto “Oprah,” or onto the front page of The Wall Street Journal, I tell them they’re in for a rude awakening. “Do you really wnat to make all your mistakes on America’s Number One daytime talk show?” I ask. If you want… Read More