Thanks!

Thanks Damaria!

Chris – see everyone’s got something to give here at FWJ!

Lela – I’ve been an examiner since August, but just recently things are starting to really move, so I’ll hold off expounding on it until I have some real info to give. I do have to say our new editor Colin Bane is terrific and has really helped to push our parenting channel to new levels. On a really great note, I got a huge boost yesterday when the New York Times blog Motherlode picked up my Halloween post from the examiner “Sexy kid Halloween costumes spook parents” and sent traffic through the roof!

Thanks Hazel, Misty, Hana!

Sonya Hazel’s correct, it depends on the company. The ones that send it out on their own are my fav.

Dave – I get a feed read that I’ve set for press release posts from various job sites. I know Deb just posted one yesterday, but I think she’s been swamped and I will have another post soon on where to find release work, you’re just a little bit ahead of me At least I know someone’s interested!

I’ve got a years experience of writing press releases local non-profits, with a proven track record of strong placement in regional print outlets — but are there any freelance PR sites where I can consistently drum up clients out of the area?

I haven’t seen many of these gigs posted.

Thanks
Dave

PS. Cheers

@Terreece – you did a great job with this! I spent years on the receiving end of press releases, and your tips are perfect.

@Sonya – if the gig includes sending the releases out, it should say so. Some organizations maintain their own media list but just don’t have a writer. If the gig includes creating a media list, that’s a whole ‘nother skill set that not all writers have.

1)My readers – I write for B2B publlications, and so my readers are also my potential clients. So when we meet at events i make it clear that I’m a freelance writer and I’d be happy to do PR writing for them. Usually the tech engineers are happy to chat with someone who is interested in what they do, and can explain it in simple English.

2) PR firms – I’m on the list of PR agencies that specialise with technology clients for my journalistic-type writing. I also make sure I meet the PR people at events that I attend/cover.

3)Referrals – I belong to a network of local technology journalists/writers/pr network. Facebook and LinkedIn are very useful tools for me to keep in touch with them and to keep up with what they are doing.

4) From other writers and editors – Former journalists and editors cross over to the “dark side” and become PR people:-)

Good call Phil, I get clients who want to do a release with no real news. It’s Tuesday, let’s send out a release, so I try to work with them to get them to see what’s news and what isn’t I think a lot of the poor writing comes from people doing it themselves. Kind of like cutting your own hair – a trim (email) go for it, a layered look or bangs (a press release or article) go to a professional!

Misty – A solid living solely from releases, probably, but most writers do them in conjunction with other writing i.e. brochures, web content etc.

Brandon – You’ve got my smile for the day I appreciate the save!

Kathleen – I understand your concern, but you know, it’s like any other writing project. Before you get going on writing a blog you look at other blogs, good ones to see what makes them successful and you get better as you go. No different than delivering an article to an editor. Identify your audience, hook the audience…hey wait, I’m giving away another post!

You’re welcome Anali!

I’ve written several press releases for events that the nonprofits I’ve worked for have hosted. My question: is this sufficient experience to go after some of the for-profit PR gigs?

My gut says: hells yeah….but I have this weird fear of the for-profit world since I’ve only ever worked in education and social justice.