Almost every week, it seems, an author calls me practically in tears, panicked that she can’t park in her garage because it’s filled with stacks of cardboard boxes that hold hundreds of books she can’t sell. Sometimes, the author tells me that she once dreamed that her book would be a best-seller and that it… Read More
Publicity Blog
Customize news releases for specific media outlets
When you write a news release, do you write different versions of the same release—emphasizing different things in the first paragraph—depending on what media outlet you’re sending it to? Smart Publicity Hounds do. They want every media person to read their releases and say, “Aha! This is perfect for our audience!” Yet too few people… Read More
And the bad taste award for PR & marketing goes to…
When PR and marketing firms become giddy over their own creativity, look out. A new 44-second commercial called “BANG” created by Maloney & Fox to announce the launch of its Quality Products Division, spoofs a commercial for a male enhancement pill. M&F calls it an “advermation” and is sending the video to new business targets… Read More
How to get publicity for a group ski travel business
Robbie Hickman of Virginia Beach, Virginia writes: “After having been involved in the ski travel industry, I’m starting my own group ski travel business called Snow Adventures. “So far, business is good, but I’m looking for inventive ideas for marketing. My business focuses on but isn’t limited to school groups, church youth groups, corporate outings… Read More
OverTime magazine needs organizing experts
OverTime Magazine, the business and lifestyle guide for professional athletes, needs sources to write or contribute to a story tentatively titled “Thirteen Ways to Simplify Your Life in 2007.” Think of this as a “Don’t Stress the Small Stuff” for athletes. “We’re looking for writers, authors, experts in mental health, and especially people who work… Read More
Lots of Hurricane Katrina pitches off base
Almost 20 Publicity Hounds took me up on last week’s offer to critique their news releases and story pitches that piggyback onto Hurricane Katrina. In all but a few cases, I gave thumbs-down to what I saw. Several Hounds came up with “Buy from me and I’ll donate a portion” offers which sounded tacky. Another… Read More
Don’t make these mistakes with follow-up calls to the media
Big PR agencies seem to be the worst offenders when it comes to following up on news releases. They usually assign a woman who sounds like an 18-year-old twinkie to call reporters and editors after the agency has mailed a release. The twinkie, usually using an annoying sing-songy voice, says: “Hi. This is Brittany. I’m… Read More
Use history as a hook for publicity
The next time you’re searching for an angle for your story pitch, consider using history. For example: —If you’re sponsoring an event that’s been held for 50 years, offer the media a sidebar that highlights the most significant aspects of your event during the last five decades. —Pitching a profile story of your new CEO?… Read More
Appropriate vs. inappropriate hurricane publicity
In the last week, several Publicity Hounds have asked my opinion on news releases or other tips they want to issue to piggyback off Hurricane Katrina. In at least two instances, the tips were inappropriate and invited criticism. Regardless of how well-meaning your intentions, it’s important that you understand the difference between acceptable publicity and… Read More
How to Generate Publicity at Trade Shows
Most people who exhibit at trade shows overlook a powerful publicity tool that’s just waiting for their news. It’s the trade show daily, the newspaper that offers a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening that day at the show. When I first attended the BookExpo America convention last year, I was kicking myself for not paying… Read More