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Tips on pitching your items to monthly magazines...
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Original Post
Hey, all!
I'm a marketing/PR manager and wanted to post a few tips on pitching your items to monthly magazines. I've seen lots of questions floating around on this and I'm hoping this helps a bit.
Most monthly magazines have editorial calendars available online, usually under the "Advertising" section. These calendars give a general idea about what will be featured each month.
Bear in mind that monthlies work three at least months ahead.
For example, a well-known lifestyle magazine's editorial calendar lists a "50 gifts under $50" feature in its December issue, which would be a great fit for a lot of Etsy sellers. But, the issue closes on Sep 24, which means you would need to start submitting ideas in late Summer/early Fall in order to be considered.
Please remember to be respectful of an editor's time and do your homework-- know the magazine and its readership. Know which magazines will accept unsolicited submissions and phone calls. Know which editors cover what topic, and pitch your wares based on a specific upcoming opportunity, if you can. Provide excellent pictures, succinct descriptions, cost, etc.
Don't forget to provide a clear way to get a hold of you, in case an editor is interested in following up. If he or she can't reach you right away, they will move on to something else.
Have additional tips? Post 'em here!
Cheers!
Posted at 4:23 pm Feb 4, 2010 EST
Responses
Thank you I have been a little afraid to submit but I think I am just going to go for it.
Posted at 4:39 pm Feb 4, 2010 EST
Hi JimJuris-
It's the editor's job to create the well-written and interesting story-- it's our job to provide them with unique and relevant content that would be of interest to their reader base. : )
I don't think a formal press release is needed, just a simple e-mail that outlines all the important things. In fact, the shorter the better-- these guys are wading through a ton of releases every day and a vast majority of them get tossed.
Right now, it seems as if editors are particularly drawn to sellers that have some sort of "green" component (use upcycled or sustainable materials in their wares) or sellers that give a percentage of their proceeds to a charitable cause-- particularly popular now with the Haiti devestation.
Make sense?
Cheers!
Posted at 5:01 pm Feb 4, 2010 EST
Excellent post! thanks!
I actually was in Barnes & nobles the other day, looking at craft magazines, blogging magazines and others like Threads. It has many sections for you to advertise. I personally haven't tried it yet, but its on the back of my mind to do. you just have a to have a couple of bucks for advertising in magazines, which I don't have yet.
Posted at 5:04 pm Feb 4, 2010 EST
I actually used to work for a for a shoe company. Our press release had to have an interesting story and Title to reel you in. Well and Guess what Yes, we made stuff up. It was actually fun. Our title was ".Crystal Addiction" Though we were talking about Swarovski Crystals.HA
Posted at 5:10 pm Feb 4, 2010 EST
Does it help if the shop or its creator has been featured in smaller publications such as small town newspapers? Is it helpful to include a copy of the local story or feature when contacting the magazine?
Posted at 5:11 pm Feb 4, 2010 EST
Vidalbuttons-
One way to reach those audiences without spending money on advertising is to pitch a tutorial / how-to / technique article. Maybe it's a certain jewelry-making technique, how to organize an out-of-hand bead collection, or a holiday-themed bead craft. Craftzine accepts submissions like this. Do a quick search on the site before you submit to make sure you're not pitching something that's already been covered.
craftzine.com/submissions/
Cheers!
Posted at 5:14 pm Feb 4, 2010 EST