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 to Feature PR Case Studies

   NASHVILLE (July 2012) -- Artists and entrepreneurs of all kinds can learn the nuts and bolts of the public relations process by attending the "Publicizing Your Dream" seminar from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. July 28 (Saturday) at O Gallery at Marathon Village, 1305 Clinton St. near downtown Nashville. 

   The communication workshop will be led by publicist, educator and author Chuck Whiting. 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 founder of Whiting Publicity & Promotions and a former reporter for The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register. He will walk attendees through the publicity process step by step with PR examples and feedback.  

   PR case studies will feature insights from filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, author/songwriter Candy Paull, and songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers.  The day will end with an artist/entrepreneur-sharing event called "Arts on the Row".  The first 15 professionals to sign up will enjoy complimentary tours and demonstrations at a local news media operation and the Music Row offices of Nashville Songwriters Association International on July 27.  They also will have the opportunity to receive complimentary writing and editing critiques on July 28.  

   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 may attend individual two-hour sessions for $30 each. Participation in "Arts on the Row" is included with registration. Employees of non-profit organizations are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount. Advance registration is required.  The event is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions.   

   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.