Friends, readers, courters of the press: lend me your ears. I come not to bury Elizabeth Kirwin's article, but to raise the volume on it.
Today I ran across her two-year old, but timeless article: How to Cultivate Relationships with Editors >> Creative Weblogging. The intro says: "If you are an aspiring writer, or you simply want to augment your professional qualifications by publishing material related to your field of expertise, listen up."
I did. Here's my reaction.
The article is worth "hearing." Too bad the title and introduction muffle its important message by addressing a narrow audience.
Firstly, the title talks about courting editors. But Ms. Kirwin's excellent advice actually addresses all media gatekeepers, including those who work on air and online as well as in print.
Then the intro hails writers and professionals. It doesn't bespeak the article's value to others seeking a media mouthpiece. Consequently, large pockets of people, ranging from under-served populations requiring help to give voice to important issues, to purveyors of stupid, but potentially popular, pet tricks,
could easily miss Ms. Kirwin's words of wisdom.
That would be a pity. Her ten tips should be shouted from mountaintops.
Maybe this post will help them get heard.
I hope so. Teaching as many people as possible to "come correct"(ly) to editors, producers, bookers, publishers and talk-variety show hosts would be a triple win. The benefits would spread like yodels through the Alps, benefitting those seeking media coverage, media gatekeepers who are open to good stories that are barely audible above a din of poor pitches, and media consumers.
I did. Here's my reaction.
The article is worth "hearing." Too bad the title and introduction muffle its important message by addressing a narrow audience.
Firstly, the title talks about courting editors. But Ms. Kirwin's excellent advice actually addresses all media gatekeepers, including those who work on air and online as well as in print.
Then the intro hails writers and professionals. It doesn't bespeak the article's value to others seeking a media mouthpiece. Consequently, large pockets of people, ranging from under-served populations requiring help to give voice to important issues, to purveyors of stupid, but potentially popular, pet tricks,
could easily miss Ms. Kirwin's words of wisdom.That would be a pity. Her ten tips should be shouted from mountaintops.
Maybe this post will help them get heard.
I hope so. Teaching as many people as possible to "come correct"(ly) to editors, producers, bookers, publishers and talk-variety show hosts would be a triple win. The benefits would spread like yodels through the Alps, benefitting those seeking media coverage, media gatekeepers who are open to good stories that are barely audible above a din of poor pitches, and media consumers.
