Pitching the Periodicals (The Syndication Query) at BlogHer '13

Pitch Your Work for Publication: Pitching the Periodicals (The Syndication Query)

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Pitch Your Work for PublicationPitching the Periodicals (The Syndication Query)

TRACY BECKERMAN, Lost in Suburbia, @TracyinSuburbia

ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES, Farsighted Fly Girl, @farsightedgirl

INSTRUCTORS


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ROUND ONE: PITCHING NEWSPAPER SYNDICATION

Why Newspapers?• You want to make money from your

writing, not from taking advertising on your space or writing sponsored posts

• You have a unique niche that would play well to a newspaper audience.

• You’re a really good writer!


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Key Elements for Self-Syndication

The number one element you need to seek out syndication is A DISTINCTIVE BRAND.

1. find your niche 2. brand yourself3. purposefully seek out those content providers that speak to your audience.


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Knowing what you write about, who will read you,

and what newspapers those people read,

are the three keys to getting syndicated.


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1. WHAT IS YOUR NICHE?

When you can clearly define the nature of your column or blog, it is easier to find outlets that will want your work.


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2. BRAND YOURSELF

If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need a distinctive brand that you OWN and one that immediately conveys to your readers what you write.


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3. CIRCLE YOUR BRAND

Everything about you should point back to your brand. “Circling your brand” makes it easy for people to find you, and the easier it is to find you, the more likely it is for you to get hired.


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4. FIND OUT WHO READS YOUand WHAT NEWSPAPERS THEY READ

• Research your audience. Know who they are and where they live.

• Make sure you are pursuing the right vehicle to reach your audience.

• Look at the demographics for different newspapers and only query those that fit the profile of your intended audience


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THE ONLY WAY TO BE SYNDICATED IS TO KEEP YOUR RIGHTS

• You cannot syndicate your material if another newspaper owns your columns.

• You must have it in writing because if it is not and they post it on their website or in the paper with their copyright, you have lost it forever.

• This is also important if you want to put together a book of your columns later, or do anything else with your work.


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CONTRACTS

• How much you get paid, how often, and the termination clause

• Column length (how many words) and column frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.)

• Request for tear sheets. • A Tag


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Pick a State, Any State... • Google any online Press Association • Go to “Members”• Pick one and look for contacts

FINDING THE NEWSPAPERS


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Before you query newspaper groups, or anyone for that matter,

you need to make sure your WEBSITE(which is your online resume)

has some important information:


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1. A page of info about your credentials2. Sample columns or published essays3. Blurbs. They’re not just for book jackets!4. Marketing information. 5. Contact information6. Links to your newspaper column, facebook page and twitter account.

YOUR WEBSITE


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THE QUERYInclude the topic of your column, where it runs, and any impressive credentials you have that would matter to them.if you are reaching out to local newspapers, you have to deal with the fact that you are not local to them.

• You must explain why people

everywhere can relate to what you write, no matter where they live.

• Don’t hide this issue, tackle it straight on, because it is something they are concerned about.


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FOLLOW UP

• If you haven’t heard back in a couple of weeks, send another email that says you are just checking in and want to see if they have had a chance to visit your website.

• If they write back and say they only use local writers, explain how your columns are relevant to them.

• If money is the reason, offer a six week free trial period.


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FEES

Usually determined by circulation:Circulation 5,000 - 15,000: $5

> 15,000- 50,000: $10> 50,000- 100,000: $15> 100,000-200,000: $20> 200,000 and up: $25


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SPENDING MONEY TO MAKE MONEY• TRADEMARK YOUR COLUMN NAME (http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/index.jsp)• KNOW WHEN TO HIRE A LAWYER• CREATE SOME BRANDED MERCHANDISE• SEND SOME SWAG TO YOUR EDITORS

http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/index.jsp




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FINAL THOUGHTS

CONTENT

CONTENT CONTENT!


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Twitter: @TracyinSuburbiaEmail: [email protected]: LostinSuburbiaFanPage

FOR MORE INFORMATION

mailto:[email protected]


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ROUND TWO: PITCHING MAGAZINES AND INDIVIDUAL NEWSPAPERS

Crafting A Pitch Capturing Attention Connecting With Editors


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Creating Pitches With Punch


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What Makes You Special?

Perspective Experiences Personality


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THE WRITE SENSE

Short SentencesActive VerbsSpecific Details


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Fresh Ideas & Treatments


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Examine Your Life For Material Pay Attention To PeopleMine Your Blog For ControversyNotice Trends and News


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Making Contact

RESEARCH:Editorial NeedsTarget AudienceRecent Publications


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Sending Your Pitch

Be Confident

Be Persistent

Believe in Your Ideas!


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Pitch Letter Tip Sheet (Download)

Create fresh ideas from your perspective and experience.

Write a letter with concise sentences and clear details.

Research your publication and target their audience and interests.


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FOR MORE INFO,QUESTIONS OR GIRLTALK:

TWEET ME: @FARSIGHTEDGIRLFACEBOOK ME: Rosalind Cummings-Yeates PINTEREST:FARSIGHTED GIRL


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Pitch Your Work for PublicationPitching the Periodicals (The Syndication Query)

TRACY BECKERMAN, Lost in Suburbia, @TracyinSuburbia

ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES, Farsighted Fly Girl, @farsightedgirl

INSTRUCTORS

“BlogHer is a snake meal of

ideas in a wonton wrapper of

love. Afterwards you need a 2-

day nap, then it nourishes you

for a year.”– @debontherocks

Pitching the Periodicals (The Syndication Query) at BlogHer '13

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