How to Tie into Taxes

Issue #999 March 1, 2016
Publisher: Joan Stewart

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

In This Issue

How to Tie into Taxes
A to Z of Press Releases
Don’t Send Media Mail
Hound Video of the Week

This Week in the Hound House:

Thanks for the many ideas on substitutes for 1 cup of butter in the Greek Lemon Cake recipe I shared Saturday. You suggested: coconut oil, Canola oil, olive oil, applesauce, plain yogurt and Greek yogurt. You also suggested using 5 eggs instead of 6. If you try the cake as is, or you use one of these substitutes for butter, let me know how it turns out.

1. How to Tie into Taxes

Early birds in the U.S. are gathering their tax documents now so they can file their federal income taxes returns early.

Here are ways you can tie into this story for publicity:

Stress experts, what tips can you share about keeping cool and calm, particularly if people are doing their own taxes?
Security experts, the scammers are calling, pretending to be the IRS. If we don’t give them a credit card number right now, we’re in big trouble, they say. Remind consumers that the IRS never calls. They always write. This story is ideal for TV.
Tax resolution experts, this is a perfect time to pitch tips for people who owe thousands in back taxes and are hesitant to file their 2015 returns, thus digging a deeper hole.
Professional organizers, what’s your best advice on how to keep tax documents organized? Any favorite type of file folders or other tools?
Accountants and CPAs, which business owners can write off their pets as legitimate deductions?
Libraries, let people know if you’re offering tax forms. Then, if you don’t provide tax advice, compile a list of free places that do.

To do: Look for other ideas you can tie into. Google “federal income tax tips.”

2. A to Z of Press Releases

Looking for a quick list of things you need to remember when writing a press release?

Check out Kevin J. Allen’s gorgeous infographic “The A to Z of Press Releases.”

Kevin is the former city editor of the Sarasota Observer and a former staff writer for SRQ Magazine in Sarasota, Fla.

To do: Bookmark this page so you have it the next time you write a press release. Then, ask yourself, “Does my topic lend itself to a clever A to Z infographic like this one?” If so, start creating it.

3. Don’t Send Media Mail

If a book reviewer you pitch asks for your hard cover or soft cover book to review, don’t send it Media Mail, says publishing expert Amy Collins.

“It’s tacky,” she says. “It shows a lack of respect. And the packages show up in less than pristine condition–not the best impression you want to make on a reviewer or a buyer. You can send it first- or second-class and still make a good first impression.”

Ditto for any media you’re sending to customers.

To do: Amy has a killer YouTube video at her website on “5 Steps to Ensuring Your Book Can be Sold to the Major Chains” like Costco and Walmart. Every author who wants to get into bookstores should consider buying her new book, “The Write Way.” It includes what you need to know about publishing, selling and marketing your book, and it has a detailed explanation of wholesalers vs. distributors, who wants what, and when to use each.

4. Hound Video of the Week

Watch this dog and its reaction as the owner describes the various types of food found in his refrigerator.

[Tweet “#PublicityTips from @PublicityHound–How to Tie into Taxes #pitchingthemedia”]