A good pitch is simple but not easy
December 21st, 2008
I write a blog for the Twin Cities Examiner on the side. I think if every publicist worked on the ‘other side’ just once or twice it would be incredibly enlightening. Not just to see how other people pitch but to understand how to make it super easy for a writer or blogger to get a good story in quickly.
My last post was on this cool gadget called the Superbumper Probably would have sat in my story file for a while except the guy who owns the company made it a snap to write the blog that day. Here’s what he did – this should remind you just because it’s simple doesn’t make it easy.
1. Wrote a great pitch. Didn’t make me go to a link for the info, but didn’t write a novel either. All the 5W’s were there and a nice photo too.
2. Answered my questions lightning fast. Again, even though all the info was on the site he kindly cut and pasted it into an email for me. (You don’t know how much time this saves.)
3. Told me he appreciated the exposure. It kills me how FEW people do that!
You wouldn’t believe how many people pitch me without even telling me the name of the company in the email. “Visit this link for an exciting story” is not going to cut it.
Therefore superbumper man is getting another plug here for being quick, friendly and efficient. And actually the thing is kind of cool and I might put one on my hitch if Greg ever comes home from skiing this season.
Last thing – I’m debating doing a post of worst pitches but I think it might be overdone. What do you think?
