Publicity Tips
For Good Publicity, Preparation is
the Key
By Chuck Whiting
Imagine
this. Shortly after releasing your new
CD, a newspaper reporter calls to set up an interview. What will
you do?
If you’re
prepared, then there’s no problem.
You’ll confidently thank the reporter for his or her interest, set up a
time for the interview, and e-mail over a detailed press release
written in Associated Press style. You’ll soon see a beautiful
story and photo in print. CD sales and bookings will receive a
big boost.
But what if
you’re not prepared? You don’t
have a press kit, a photo, or even a press release. Will the
reporter give you more time? In most cases, the answer is
no. Independent artists already face an uphill battle. With
so many other singer-songwriters out there, you need as much ammunition
as possible to receive good news coverage. The key is to be well
prepared. It enhances your professional image and makes the
process easier for the reporter.
Following
is a list of to-do’s to help increase your
chances for good publicity.
1. -- Prepare for an
interview by writing up a list of questions
and rehearsing your answers.
2. -– Develop a package
of materials the reporter needs: a
press release written in AP style, detailed bio (feature story),
one-page fact sheet, one or two color photos (printed and/or jpegs),
business card, logo, color scheme, cover letter, and your music CD.
3. –- Follow proper protocol
when working with the news media. Be
courteous, professional, truthful, unobtrusive, appreciative and
punctual.
4. -- Always double-check your
spelling and grammar on all written
materials.
5. –- Provide your contact
information (name, address, phone number and
e-mail address) on every item.
6. -- Develop a
one-of-a-kind hook (story or angle) that no other
artist has.
7. -- Watch interviews on TV
and critique the artists, noting their
confidence level, dress and attitude.
8. -- Consider taking a class
or workshop on publicity.
9. -- Always thank the
reporter after a story runs or airs, even if
you’re disappointed in the length or content.
10. -- Make sure your press
releases are written in inverted pyramid
style (most important information first) with contact information, a
headline, a dateline (city, state and date), a lead 33 words or less,
indented paragraphs, a strong hook, quotations, short paragraphs (for
easy reading), black ink on white paper, and an end symbol
(-30-).
By
following these to-do’s – being well prepared --
you stand a better chance of landing a news or feature story.
Copyright 2006 ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED
Chuck Whiting is president
and founder of Whiting Publicity &
Promotions, a Nashville-based PR firm that specializes in publicity for
songwriters, performers, visual artists, and historic hotels. He
also is co-author and co-songwriter of The
Littlest Star: a musical story,
an internationally distributed holiday picture book and music CD.
He teaches media writing at Middle Tennessee State University and
speech communication at Volunteer State Community College. You
may contact Chuck at (615) 242-9857 or Info@WhitingPublicity.com