Publicist Robert Smith wanted something more than the standard brochure to set himself apart from all the other public relations practitioners in the U.S. So after seeing a tip in this newsletter about starting his own TV show, courtesy of his local cable TV station’s public access channel, he tried it. “I had never heard… Read More
Publicist
Children’s troupe takes its act to trade shows
Publicity Hounds have tips for Melissa Pagan of Tequesta, Florida. She works for a performing arts troupe that specializes in children’s entertainment. Their live shows have an education component that focuses on literacy, and some of their school programs address test-taking tips and techniques for relieving the anxiety of the high-stakes standardized testing. They will… Read More
How to promote a mystery novel
Prudy Taylor Board of Delray Beach, Florida wants to know how to promote her book, “Murder a la Carte,” the first a series titled Recipes for Murder. From Harry Hoover of Huntersville, North Carolina: “Every major paper has a food writer or editor. Pitch a story about how to do a themed dinner party featuring… Read More
Less is more when contacting the media
Inexperienced Publicity Hounds make the frequent mistake of inundating media people with too much information. For example: –Sending an unsolicited media kit along with a pitch letter, with grand illusions of the journalist spending hours poring over your materials. (Dream on). –Sending an unsolicited book, with hopes that a radio talk show host will find… Read More
Use sales copy techniques when pitching
When you send a snail-mail or email pitch to a journalist, does the copylook like a big block of gray? Or do you flag the journalist to the most importance elements of your pitch by using things such as sub-heads, boldtype, indented paragraphs, underlined text and a post-script? Publicity Hounds who borrow those techniques, used… 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
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
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
Publicize older workers
When my financial planner asked me a few months ago how old I expect to be when I retire and I said 75, she told me in so many words she thought I was nuts. "I have the best job in the world," I said. "Why would I want to put The Publicity Hound out… Read More