Sundays are undervalued and present a lot of potential impact because it’s one of the highest viewership/ratings nights of the week (Fridays & Saturdays are lowest viewership). Yes, news staffs are smaller on weekends, but far fewer stories to choose from means much better coverage odds. Also, if you pitch a Sunday story, don’t leave an office phone number that’s only answered Monday through Friday. Provide a cell number. Source
Help reporters and news people do their job. It’s not about laziness, it’s just another strategy to help media people visualize the story. Obviously, you’re pitching a story that involves or promotes a company, organization or person. But don’t confuse that with the lead. The story is about what’s happening. News people don’t want to hear a company’s name 10 times before getting to what it’s actually doing and why it matters. Organize releases with the key facts in the lead. Get to specifics later. Also, look to provide something “juicy”, a “wow” factor or a story angle. And think “big tent” or large impact—the more the better in most cases. Attach a story motivator upfront in the pitch/release or make it clear. Here are some motivators to engage media (and media audiences).
Money – ways to save money or avoid waste
Family – ways of life
Safety – threats, ways to be safer or avoid danger
Health – threats, ways to live better or avoid harm
Community – how the country, region or city is changing, or a way of life
Innate Curiosity – something so cool or unusual that you want to see it
Don’t include your political or religious beliefs in your ads or public relations materials–especially if your business depends on customers from a wide strata of beliefs, creeds and social groups. It’s just not smart. It may feel good in the short run, but ultimately you’re probably shooting yourself in the foot. Source
PR Tip:
Don’t ask us to pitch an idea and then not be available for an interview. If you want the press, we need you to be ready to talk to the media at a moment’s notice. Source
On the mend from a near-death experience in the snowy Midwest, John Pilate is taking it easy on the sun-soaked beaches of Key West. Umbrella drink in hand, Pilate is writing a book and getting some much-needed therapy to deal with his imaginary friend Simon. He’s also pondering the future with his new love, Kate. Life is looking up for John Pilate…until he is drawn into a world of murder, pirates, conch fritters and smart aleck remarks from invisible men.
He has blood on his hands, a mysterious poker chip in his pocket, shadows over his shoulder and a sexy cop in his bed. John Pilate is in trouble again–and the only way out is to find the key…Pilate’s Key.
