What is a publicist & what do they do ?
Job Description of a Publicist The main responsibility of a publicist is to get positive press coverage for his client. To do this, the publicist needs to create and maintain good relationships with journalists by sending them original, insightful, timely story ideas that involve the client in some way.
There are several different ways to pitch story ideas to journalists. Press releases are an easy way to send the same story pitch to multiple members of the media. The standard press release is written like a news story, complete with an attention-catching headline, a lead paragraph that hooks in the reader and quotes from sources. In the age of the fax machine and e-mail, press releases are often lost in the overwhelming pile of junk that is sent to journalists on a daily basis.
A more effective way to get story ideas to a journalist is to cultivate a genuine, working relationship with reporters, editors and TV news producers. This means that publicists spend a considerable amount of time networking with members of the media. Much of their day is spent on the phone or firing off e-mails. Publicists work long hours and are expected to be available for the client day or night. After office hours, they attend parties and media get-togethers in the hope of getting face time with influential journalists.
The journalist/publicist relationship is a two-way street. What happens if the client does or says something incredibly stupid? Now it's the publicist who's receiving all of the phone calls and e-mails. If the publicist wants to maintain a good relationship with journalists, he will be most forthcoming to the people who have written positive stories about the client in the past.
Publicists handle all interview requests for a celebrity, politician, author or other public figure. To protect the client from any surprises, publicists will ask the journalist exactly what the story is about and what questions he plans to ask. In some cases, the publicist will ask to be present at the interview to make sure that the client doesn't comment on sensitive issues or make remarks that could look bad in the papers.
Publicists often organize press tours for actors, celebrities and authors. The publicist makes all the travel arrangements for the client, sets up locations, arranges for press passes and even accompanies the client on the road.
More than ever, publicists network with online bloggers and read and respond to comments on popular social networks. In addition to a standard press tour, they might arrange for a live, online Q&A session with a popular fansite or interviews with podcasts.
There are several different ways to pitch story ideas to journalists. Press releases are an easy way to send the same story pitch to multiple members of the media. The standard press release is written like a news story, complete with an attention-catching headline, a lead paragraph that hooks in the reader and quotes from sources. In the age of the fax machine and e-mail, press releases are often lost in the overwhelming pile of junk that is sent to journalists on a daily basis.
A more effective way to get story ideas to a journalist is to cultivate a genuine, working relationship with reporters, editors and TV news producers. This means that publicists spend a considerable amount of time networking with members of the media. Much of their day is spent on the phone or firing off e-mails. Publicists work long hours and are expected to be available for the client day or night. After office hours, they attend parties and media get-togethers in the hope of getting face time with influential journalists.
The journalist/publicist relationship is a two-way street. What happens if the client does or says something incredibly stupid? Now it's the publicist who's receiving all of the phone calls and e-mails. If the publicist wants to maintain a good relationship with journalists, he will be most forthcoming to the people who have written positive stories about the client in the past.
Publicists handle all interview requests for a celebrity, politician, author or other public figure. To protect the client from any surprises, publicists will ask the journalist exactly what the story is about and what questions he plans to ask. In some cases, the publicist will ask to be present at the interview to make sure that the client doesn't comment on sensitive issues or make remarks that could look bad in the papers.
Publicists often organize press tours for actors, celebrities and authors. The publicist makes all the travel arrangements for the client, sets up locations, arranges for press passes and even accompanies the client on the road.
More than ever, publicists network with online bloggers and read and respond to comments on popular social networks. In addition to a standard press tour, they might arrange for a live, online Q&A session with a popular fansite or interviews with podcasts.
Roos, Dave. "How Publicists Work." 05 September 2008. HowStuffWorks.com. 10 September 2009
How do I determine if I need a Publicist ?
Whether you are a budding writer looking to be published, or an aspiring professional seeking to offer your services on a wider scale, this is a question you are most likely to ask. While hiring a publicist may cost a pretty penny, it does have its benefits. Some independent artists/professionals can still get some face time on TV or land an interview spot on the radio by their own efforts alone, but a publicist can definitely get you the attention and the buzz that could be worth every dime you shell out. Here are some pointers to consider that may help you answer your question on whether or not you may need a publicist.
Exposure
While the integrity you build by word of mouth on how great your product or service may be could be encouraging, the exposure that a publicist can get you is incomparable. It’s feasible to pay for a page off of your preferred publication in order to advertise, but it is even better to tap into the more aggressive and impressive media like television and radio. If you want to get the word out on what you have to offer or would like the world to know, a publicist can get you the attention you need. A good publicist can also increase your exposure to a regional, national or international level.
Reliability
Let’s say you do put an advert out on publication. People don’t usually buy into the idea because they know that the ad has been paid for. By using quality public relations, a publicist can reach the public for a fraction of the cost of an advertisement. When it comes to cost and credibility, you will find that public relations is much more cost-effective. It may also be possible that you don’t know exactly who the appropriate media are that you need to approach. A publicist who has a good professional history more or less knows who’s-who in the business and will know exactly who to go to in order to generate a good buzz about you.
Time Constraint
It takes a lot of time to put together a good PR campaign—precious time that you could be spending polishing and/or revolutionizing more of your ideas that are part and parcel of the service/product that you are trying to get out there. Getting a publicist can take that burden off your shoulders and allow you to focus on the more important things that are central to your cause.
Press Kit
You may or may not know how to put together a press kit or what it entails. And even if you could compose your own press release, a publicist already knows the ins and outs of the industry and can put together a veritable press kit that has everything the media will need to know more about your product or service. They are well-versed with the rules—whether unspoken or otherwise, when it comes to media kits and have experience with working from the right angles.
Credibility
While it is quite noble and precious to see a hardworking individual tirelessly and devotedly market him/herself, a publicist gives a credibility boost that self-marketing cannot give. It is simply more professional and impressive to have public representation. The saying “have your people call my people” is more than just a favorite Hollywood line. It gives the impression that you are serious about your product or service and that you truly believe in it—enough to hire professional public relation services to get the word out there as expansively as possible. Lastly, it also serves to give you a shot of confidence that you will need to succeed.
By bidmyservices
Do I Need A Publicist?
Exposure
While the integrity you build by word of mouth on how great your product or service may be could be encouraging, the exposure that a publicist can get you is incomparable. It’s feasible to pay for a page off of your preferred publication in order to advertise, but it is even better to tap into the more aggressive and impressive media like television and radio. If you want to get the word out on what you have to offer or would like the world to know, a publicist can get you the attention you need. A good publicist can also increase your exposure to a regional, national or international level.
Reliability
Let’s say you do put an advert out on publication. People don’t usually buy into the idea because they know that the ad has been paid for. By using quality public relations, a publicist can reach the public for a fraction of the cost of an advertisement. When it comes to cost and credibility, you will find that public relations is much more cost-effective. It may also be possible that you don’t know exactly who the appropriate media are that you need to approach. A publicist who has a good professional history more or less knows who’s-who in the business and will know exactly who to go to in order to generate a good buzz about you.
Time Constraint
It takes a lot of time to put together a good PR campaign—precious time that you could be spending polishing and/or revolutionizing more of your ideas that are part and parcel of the service/product that you are trying to get out there. Getting a publicist can take that burden off your shoulders and allow you to focus on the more important things that are central to your cause.
Press Kit
You may or may not know how to put together a press kit or what it entails. And even if you could compose your own press release, a publicist already knows the ins and outs of the industry and can put together a veritable press kit that has everything the media will need to know more about your product or service. They are well-versed with the rules—whether unspoken or otherwise, when it comes to media kits and have experience with working from the right angles.
Credibility
While it is quite noble and precious to see a hardworking individual tirelessly and devotedly market him/herself, a publicist gives a credibility boost that self-marketing cannot give. It is simply more professional and impressive to have public representation. The saying “have your people call my people” is more than just a favorite Hollywood line. It gives the impression that you are serious about your product or service and that you truly believe in it—enough to hire professional public relation services to get the word out there as expansively as possible. Lastly, it also serves to give you a shot of confidence that you will need to succeed.
By bidmyservices
