Free Swim (This Whole Letter Is Unlocked) Seeking Answers, Finding Agita
The Biggest Mistake You Don’t Realize You’re Making
QUICK NOTE
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Happy Wednesday from a very rainy East Hampton. It’s the last day of the month and I have one more article to write today (I also need a mani and pedi, but have a feeling that won’t happen). So, let’s keep this short and practical.
If you have PR questions, please share in the comments.
Also, please share. It’s a nice thing to do. We all need better karma.
The Biggest Mistake You Don’t Realize You’re Making
One of the biggest mistakes many publicists make is sending over client answers that are way too short. When you answer a question in two sentences, one of which is “yes,” you are not being helpful, useful, or doing justice to someone who is paying you thousands of dollars a month.
While some writers will give you a specific length, most answers should be LONGER!
While the length depends on the article and the question, I can’t tell you how often I get answers that just aren’t long enough. Or feel half-assed. Your job is to present your clients (or yourself) in the best possible light, and when they don’t contribute anything of significance, you aren’t doing your job to the best of your ability.
While no one needs a college dissertation on why modern farmhouse is trash, if you can get deep answering a question. DO IT!
I’m rarely annoyed if an answer is too long, but I’m generally a bit miffed if an answer is too short.
Think about it like wine. You know when you order a glass of wine at a restaurant and it looks just a little short? Where did the rest go? Did they run out? Do you want a few sips or a generous pour?
GIVE THE GENEROUS POUR.
I once did an email interview with George The Jeweler about hoops. His answers were long. They were meaningful. You could tell he was excited about this. His publicist said, “He’s really feeling himself.” Aim for that.
Still not sure how long an answer should be?
JUST ASK THE WRITER.
If you don’t want to do that or perhaps there isn’t enough time (tight deadlines), assume a very generous paragraph per question.
Keep this in mind: When it comes to certain articles, the writer might have a very specific structure they’re working with or a minimum word count. This is especially true for commerce and SEO. So the length of your answers is even more important in this case.
Real Simple Opps
I need all of these by Monday Noon EST. Please email AmandaLauren212@gmail.com and use the word Substack and the article title in the subject line.
Design Mistakes That Make It Harder to Relax at Home
What design mistakes make it harder to relax at home? I’m thinking color schemes, patterns, and layouts. Also certain light bulbs. Want to hear from designers.
Items Everyone Needs on Their Deck or Patio, According to Designers
Plants? Lounge chairs? Let me know what and why.
How to Declutter Your Cleaning Supplies to Only the Items You Actually Need and Use
Would love to hear from pro organizers and cleaners.
More opps coming next week or perhaps Friday.
A Bunch Of Plugs For Myself
Want more? Just starting? Need extra help? Here’s a shameless plug for additional PR services I offer.
I have a course called Pitch Please. It’s helpful, it’s entertaining and it can change your business forever. (It has and it will).
I also offer a larger package called Help Me Pitch. You get course access, I’ll write your pitches and share a media list so you can hit the ground running. Click the link and scroll down for more info.
On a budget? Download this $47 pitch template. It’s really helpful.
Want to chat online? (I promise I’m almost done), book me on Intro for media relations and interior design help.