Creative 'PR' Ways to Boost Your Arts Career (Without Being a Superstar)

By Chuck Whiting

Music City Arts Network

         Everyday, I peruse a number of media websites to learn about artist opportunities and accomplishments for posting on the various Music City Arts Network social networking pages. For me, it's a joy to see the accomplishments fellow artists, organizations and friends are having. For example, former Nashvillian/actress Annie Sims just landed a role in the new TV series "American Crime Story". Songwriter/musician Bryan Cumming of The WannaBeatles now has his own jazz show in Nolensville. Songwriter/educator Deanna Walker is once again leading the "Blair Hit Songwriter Series". I could go on-and-on, but the point here is that all of these wonderful artists are actively pursuing opportunities (dreams) and sharing their good news with the world (while blessing others).

         If you're not a well-known artist, don't despair. There are many things you can do to help build your career (without being a superstar), while taking advantage of the many PR opportunities out there. Here are a few to-dos on my own list.

         * Find a niche that no one else has. Joyce Rouse (Earth Mama) is saving planet Earth one day at a time. What are you doing?

         * Collaborate with others (don't compete with them). We are all in this together. What greater delight than to see a fellow artist succeed. Give, and give more. "Like, share and follow."

         *  Learn from others. Take advantage of the many educational opportunities (some free) that Music City has to offer. Tons of them are happening all the time.

         *  Get out to support your friends. They will never forget your contributions to their success.

         * Explore other areas of the arts. Go to the opera (yes... you heard me right), attend an opening at Haynes Galleries on Music Row, or head over to Scarritt-Bennett for a poetry reading. It will enrich your understanding and approach to how you express and/or create your art. And you'll meet some amazing people, too. (I'm always inspired to write when I visit the Frist for an exhibition or the Wilson County Fair to buy my grits.)

         * Expand your social networking horizon. Facebook is a wonderful way to build and connect with communities of artists around the world. You can do the same thing with other social networks such as Twitter (a great way to receive/share career-changing information), Linked In (a connector for professionals and businesses in every field), Instagram (photos of what you're doing now), and You Tube (uploading videos and subscribing to video channels).

         * Don't forget the news media. Face it. Well-known artists have a clear advantage when it comes to landing a big story. Hey... some of the publicists on Music Row don't even know how to write (Sorry y'all, but I've been reading some of your press releases). But there are plenty of opportunities out there if you're willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Events are generally guaranteed to land calendar mentions in a host of media, and there are a bunch of online bloggers looking for news. I use my own blog (Music City Arts Update) to help in the cause.

         * When it comes to the digital world, it's easy to become intimidated. But it has become a necessary way to share your good news (and connect) with the world, and things are changing constantly. I've found that taking baby steps leads to bigger steps (and more confidence). Take each step one day (or week) at a time. Google has a wealth of tips on how to set up your various social networking pages and features... from Facebook and Twitter to You Tube and Instagram. You'll be amazed at what you can find.

         * Read... books, magazines, newspapers... anything you can get your hands on. That will inspire you to create with original ideas.

         * Perform... Don't be shy. Get out to let people hear you (and encourage you).

         * Don't believe everything you hear. Remember that there are a lot of people who have their own subjective opinions, and not all of them are accurate. When it comes down to it, we need to learn how to recognize what's true, build on our strengths, let our weaknesses be strengths, and believe in ourselves. We are all works in progress (even Barbra Streisand said that).

         * Share your expertise in the form of a blog. It will help others while boosting your credibility as an artist.

         * Finally... on the PR/publicity front, be sure that your process is professional, presenting a "tried and true" representation of you. Be original, and try to do what the reporters do. Find a strong, newsworthy hook; present your information clearly; follow the Associated Press Stylebook (to make it easier for reporters); and send your press releases out to a host of targeted news media operations. It may not happen at first, but in time the editors and producers will start to notice you. As I said above, baby steps lead to bigger things. Do nothing, and something rarely happens. Do something professionally in earnest (without overwhelming others), and success comes sooner than later.

         Thanks for reading this! There are many more tips I could share... stay tuned for more. In the meantime, please connect with me (and share your good arts news) at http://www.Facebook.com/MusicCityArts or Twitter @MusicCityArts... and check out my blog at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com.

Artistically,

Chuck

Chuck Whiting is a long-time publicist and journalist who runs the monthly event "Tunesmithing" at the Aloft Hotel on West End.Visit his PR website at www.WhitingPublicity.com.

Insights on PR: Write and Edit with Accuracy and Clarity (to Leave a Lasting Good Impression)

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

(Editor's Note: I will be co-leading the "Reaching Your Dream" artist career-building/publicity workshop and vision sharing with Amy Allen in Nashville on July 26. Please join us! Learn more at www.ReachingYourDream.net.)

            NASHVILLE - In this mad, rushed, fast-changing world, it's essential to make your point quickly and write in clear, easy-to-read fashion. Otherwise, the news media (or readers in general) will likely pass on your story. They don't have time for verbal mishmash (unless you happen to be a big star).

Chuck Whiting leads his PR workshop

            Here are a few writing and editing tips for those of you who understand the importance of "words" on the road to success.

            * Remember that the "words" you write are a reflection of who you are. A well-written press release or biography can open the door for publishing deals, song cuts and concert bookings. A poorly written item can leave a lasting poor impression.

            * "Accuracy" is the chief goal of any writer. Exaggeration (or hype) can hurt your reputation. Base your story on proven facts, and use words with exact meanings.

            * Your story needs to be "clear" from start to finish. Use simple words, write short sentences, and keep paragraphs to three sentences or less. Use strong transitions to weave related or unrelated thoughts into a well-organized story. Otherwise, the reader will lose interest and stop reading.

            * Write press releases and biographies in third person (using "he" or "she"). First person is sometimes used for blogs, editorials and letters. "Modesty" with confidence is important in this business.

            * Get to the point quickly by answering the questions "who", "what" (your hook), "when" and "where" in your first sentence (the "lead paragraph"). Use subsequent paragraphs to answer the questions "why" and "how".

            * Make sentences easier to read by starting with a noun, followed by a descriptive action verb. Starting with an "independent clause" (rather than a "dependent clause") will reduce the number of commas, making for a better flow.

            * Write to meet the needs of your audience. A Tweet cannot exceed 140 characters. A calendar item should range from 100 to 250 words. A press release or story of any length should follow the inverted-pyramid structure (presenting information from most important to least important). Think "brevity", but be sure to answer "all" of the essential questions a reporter might ask.

            * Follow the media writing rules in the Associated Press Stylebook (to meet the needs of print journalists).

            * Demonstrate perfect grammar, punctuation and spelling. Check and double-check everything in your dictionary. Don't depend on a software program like Microsoft Word to catch misspellings. Laziness can result in embarrassment.

            * Add life to your stories and biographies with "direct quotations". They give you the opportunity to express your thoughts creatively in your own words.

            * Use a font that is easy to read such as Times or Times Roman (12 point). Helvetica and Verdana are often used. (Avoid Comic Sans.)

            * Double-space "printed" materials (for easy editing). Double-space between paragraphs for "online" copy (for easy reading).

            * Indent all paragraphs in "printed" materials and "online" whenever possible.

            *  Include contact information such as name, e-mail address, company name and telephone number.

            Remember to write and edit your words wisely. If you follow these tips, you stand a better chance of landing a story (or a lasting good impression).

            Chuck Whiting founded Whiting Publicity and Promotions in 1993 to provide exposure for artists and the organizations that support them. He is a former newspaper reporter, the author/co-writer of the book/song “The Littlest Star”, editor of Music City Arts Update, and host of the songwriters show “Tunesmithing”. He teaches communication courses at Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College. Join Chuck at the "Reaching Your Dream" artist career-building/publicity seminar and artist vision sharing in Nashville on July 26. To learn more, visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

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'Publicizing Your Dream' Workshop Set for July 28 in Nashville

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2012) -- Artists and entrepreneurs of all kinds can learn the nuts and bolts of the public relations process by attending the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop on July 28 (Saturday) at O Gallery at Marathon Village in Nashville, Tenn.

            The communication workshop, which will be led by publicist, educator and composer Chuck Whiting, will occur from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. in O Gallery's studio at 1305 Clinton St. near downtown Nashville.  Attendees will learn all aspects of publicity, including the tools reporters and editors use; developing news hooks; writing, editing and distributing press releases; adapting press releases for the Internet; and preparing for a news media interview. 

            Whiting is the founder of Whiting Publicity & Promotions in Nashville and a former reporter for The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register.  He will walk attendees through the publicity process step by step with feedback and professional critiques.  PR case studies will feature insights from professionals in business, literature, music, the news media, songwriting and visual art.  The day will end with an artist/entrepreneur-sharing event called "Arts on the Row".

            Highlights of the workshop are

            *  Educational sessions covering all aspects of the public relations process, including the writing of a press release in Associated Press style.

            * PR case studies (Q&A) with several professional artists/entrepreneurs who have used publicity to land news stories on local, regional and national levels.  Participants include filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, author/songwriter Candy Paull, and songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers.

            *  A tour of a news media operation (TBA) on July 27 (Friday) with insights from a leading editor or producer.

            * A tour of a Music Row business or organization on July 27 (Friday) with insights from a leading marketing professional. 

            * An artist/entrepreneur show-and-tell event called "Arts on the Row" featuring professional artists in comedy, film, literature, music, songwriting and visual art. 

            Tuition for all sessions of the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop is $95 (for registration by July 20) and $120 (for registration from July 21-27).  Artists can attend individual two-hour sessions for $30 each. Participation in "Arts on the Row" is included with registration. Complimentary tours of the news media operation and Music Row business/organization are limited to the first 10 people who register.  Employees of non-profit organizations are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount. Advance registration is required.

            "My goal will be to teach artists and entrepreneurs how to handle their own publicity, including the writing and distribution of a professionally written press release," said Whiting, who founded Whiting Publicity & Promotions in 1993.  "We're adding several PR case studies with business and arts professionals to give attendees true-life examples of the communication process.  'Arts on the Row' is a wonderful way for artists to share their visions and receive feedback."

            A former newspaper reporter, Whiting has served the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries for more than 25 years.  He started his career as a reporter for The Birmingham (Ala.) News and The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register.  He served as the PR representative for the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for more than seven years.  His PR firm currently represents clients such as visual artist/instructor Gail

McDaniel, former Harlem Globetrotter "Jumpin' Johnny" Kline, National Vocabulary Championship Coach of the Year Debbie Watts ("Word Woman"), recording artist/songwriter Joyce Rouse ("Earth Mama"), film composer/music producer Greg Sims, award-winning visual artist Charlotte Terrell, two-time Grammy winner Dennis Scott and The WannaBeatles, music producer/songwriter Jerry Michael, award-winning visual artist Camille Engel, and speakers/food and beverage educators The Saucy Sisters (Barbara Nowak and Beverly Wichman).

            Whiting also teaches journalism and public speaking courses as an adjunct professor for Middle Tennessee State University, Motlow State Community College, and Volunteer State Community College.  He is the co-author and co-songwriter of the children's book and CD, "The Littlest Star: a musical story"; editor of the arts newsletter Music City Arts Update; and founder/emcee of the monthly songwriters show, "Tunesmithing Off Music Row".

            For more information or to register for the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 242-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to PublicizingYourDream@earthlink.net or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit http://www.PublicizingYourDream.com.

'Publicize Your Dream!'

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.

PR Step #1: Build A Good Self-Image

By Chuck Whiting

NASHVILLE -- If you could do anything in the world you wanted to do, what would that be? 

 

I used to ask that question during lunchtime strolls on downtown Birmingham's tree-lined avenues and/or standing in front of the massive Albert Bierstadt painting of Yosemite at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  Despite having a great job at Alabama Power Co., I wanted "more" of what was true to my creative self.  For me, the answer became artistically clear. I wanted to combine my talents to land a successful career doing what I loved: journalism and songwriting.  To accomplish that, I would have to quit a good-paying job, pursue a second bachelor's degree (in music), and move to one of the nation's three entertainment capitals.  After years of dreaming and a lot of hard work, I found myself working in Nashville as the PR representative for the Opryland Hotel.  Now, 17 years later, I'm working as a successful publicist, educator, author and musical composer.  My dream remains very much alive.

 

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing what I think are the 10 most important PR steps every entrepreneur or artist should do to accomplish his or her dream.  These career/life suggestions come from my "Publicizing Your Dream" lecture series.  I realize that every walk in life is different.  Still, I hope that some of my experiences and insights will prove helpful to you.

 

#1 -- Build a Good Self-Image:

 

*  Believe in Yourself and DO WHAT YOU LOVE.   It's very hard to accomplish your dream if you can't see it happening or you're not willing to take a risk.  A positive, determined attitude is an essential ingredient to success.  The story is that in his pre-stardom days, Jim Carrey would stand on a Hollywood hilltop yelling, "I'm a big star!". Hit songwriter Jason Bloom resorted to eating cat food during his "hungry" days.  Angela Grett overcame her difficult experiences as the child of a bipolar parent to become an acclaimed author.  They are all doing what they love -- and dogged determined doing it.

 

*  Care about others.  What you do for others will return to you 100 fold (or more).

 

*  Look good.  When we take care of ourselves, others notice. 

 

*  Watch what you say.  We're tempted to tell people where to go when they criticize us.  However, my experience has shown me that it's best to pause and think something through before reacting.  Sometimes the best response is to smile and say nothing.  Try not to burn bridges.

 

*  Be honest.  Do what you say you will, and don't over-exaggerate your credentials.  If you performed on a George Strait record, don't later write that one of your songs went platinum.

 

*  Have a spiritual life.  Know who gave you your talents, and be thankful for what you have.

 

Obviously, there's a lot more I could write about building a good self-image.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this step, including an example of something you've learned.  Like you, I'm always in learning mode.  Please share it here or at one of my upcoming "Publicizing Your Dream" classes or workshops.  In the meantime, much success to you.  Please check back soon for PR step #2.

 

 

 

(* NOTE:  To learn more, please join me in Nashville this spring for my four-week PR class, "Publicizing Your Dream: The Nuts and Bolts of Writing, Editing & News Media Exposure".)

 

Copyright 2010 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (Printed and distributed by permission only)

Chuck Whiting is president and founder of Whiting Publicity & Promotions, a Nashville-based PR firm that specializes in publicity for the arts, entertainment and hospitality industries.  He also is the co-author and co-songwriter of The Littlest Star: a musical story, an internationally distributed holiday picture book and music CD.  His company recently published Debbie Watts' latest book, Wordabulous!.  Chuck teaches media writing at Middle Tennessee State University.  You may contact him at (615) 242-9857 or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com .