By Chuck Whiting
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get some publicity? If so, then I'm ready and eager to help you.
Did you know that reporters and editors throw away approximately 90 percent of the press releases they receive? That's why it's crucial to find the perfect hook, use the inverted pyramid structure, and write in Associated Press style. The easier you make it for the media pros, the better chance you'll have to see your "big story" in print or online. Some stories remain in the Internet search engines for years.
I will be leading my in-depth, four-week " Publicizing Your Dream" class on Tuesdays from March 2-23, 2010 in Brentwood, Tenn. Each session will run from 7-9:30 p.m., with additional time for follow-up questions and critiques. Artists, entrepreneurs and organizational leaders will learn all aspects of publicity, including the tools reporters and editors use; developing a news hook; writing and editing a press release; and distributing the release to the news media. I plan to walk attendees through the process step by step with feedback and professional critiques. My goal is to have everyone holding a pitch-ready press release in their hands when the class ends.
One of my Virginia students wrote me this moving letter...
"I wanted to send you my first press release (newspaper story) of my career... thanks to you. You may recognize it as my homework from your workshop. Initially, I hadn't planned on using it, but the piece came in handy at the last minute. A customer came to the show specifically to buy the print. She bought it plus the original! Her sale totaled $500, just from this press release. Thank you so much for taking your time and coming all this way to give this wonderful workshop. I now understand how valuable a press release can be. And, thank you for extending yourself so freely to others." -- Visual Artist in Independence, Va.
Here's a brief bio sketch. I'm a former newspaper reporter who has served the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries for more than 25 years. I coordinated PR for the Opryland Hotel before founding my own company, Whiting Publicity & Promotions, in 1993. I also teach communication courses as an adjunct professor for Middle Tennessee State University and Volunteer State Community College. I am the co-author and co-songwriter of the children's book, "The Littlest Star: a musical story"; editor of the arts newsletter Music City Arts Update; and founder/emcee of the monthly songwriters show, "Tunesmithing on Music Row".
My "Publicizing Your Dream" class will be hosted by Just Say Yes International at the Heart House in Brentwood, Tenn. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, call (615) 242-9857 or send me an e-mail message at Arts@WhitingPublicity.com.
