Getting Picked Up By the Media

Do you have a great idea for a story? Or a great product that solves problems? But no clue how to get it in the news? Are you tired of pitching press releases the news media simply ignores? Writing attention-getting releases isn't about lying, but about putting a creative twist on the truth.

So, here are seven steps to increase your chances of getting covered:

1) BE TO THE POINT
The press gets tons of pitches, press releases, news releases, article submissions; they do not have time to read all of it. Writing a pitch is short and sweet.

2) BE DIFFERENT OR CONTROVERSIAL
Out-of-the ordinary is what they seek. If you are not out of the ordinary find a way to make it so. Research via Google News and see what is going on in the world as it relates to your pitch and tie it in. Tips from the experts on how to....you name it they like it.

3) WELL WRITTEN
It must be well-written, moving, funny, and dramatic, with no spelling or grammar errors.

4) WRITE LIKE A REPORTER
You read. What kinds of things have caught your eye to read further? Write the kind of headline that a magazine or newspaper would run. And be conversational so that a TV anchor could read it right on the air. Why is this so important? Newsrooms get hundreds of press releases every day. Often the decision on whether to cover your story is made in a matter of seconds. If you do the work for them, they will pick you and not the other guy.

5) CHOOSE THE RIGHT REPORTER
Make sure it is a topic that Reporter writes about. Read previous articles they have written. Perhaps the most common mistake you can make is trying to sell a good story to the wrong person. Most reporters have a specialty, like "fashion" or "food." Seek out the reporter who will have the most to benefit from your story. Start studying the news. Before you call a TV station or try and pitch the paper, become familiar with a reporter's work. Don't try and sell an investigative story to a reporter who covers books.

6) BE VISUAL OR…
Reporters tell stories with pictures. If the pictures aren't there, chances are the reporters won't be either. Even the most non-visual story can be made visual if you're creative. Don’t send an attachment though, be sure to embed a link to the image or share the website. Print reporters want photographs and online/TV reporters want video and radio, well they want audio.

7) WAIT FOR A SLOW NEWS DAY
The holidays are the slowest "news times" of the year. When government offices and banks are closed, news slows down. So take advantage of it. Check this site for those holidays: http://www.opm.gov/Operating_Status_Schedules/fedhol/2010.asp

If the government isn't making news, reporters are scrambling to find something to cover. Pitch even an average story on a day when the media is starving for news, and you're much more likely to get coverage.

But if it is not a slow news day, be different, visual, and pitch it to the right person.