Real (Harsh) Talk from a USA Today editor

I agree with her and here's my thoughts on it

Happy Debate Day!

Greetings from sunny NYC. The pic above is from a hike I did in Shenandoah National Park in Virgina a few weeks ago, which is decidedly more scenic than NYC.

Yesterday, I listened to a webinar with a few USA Today editors and staff writers and one of them spoke to how frustrating the repeated follow-ups they receive are from publicists. This was regarding press trips, and I think it could apply to product pitches as well, and I think it’s really important. Here’s what she said:

“We didn’t ask for an invitation so we don’t owe you a reply”

Wow. That’s harsh (though she was very polite). But I get it. Realistically, do you respond to every email you get? Do you respond to all the bloggers requesting free samples or press trips? What about start-ups trying to sell you on their services? Probably not, and, as you didn’t ask for them to pitch you their services or requests, you don’t really owe them a response either.

Many of us are completely overwhelmed with the number of emails we receive and unless we want to spend 14 hours per day on email, we have to draw the line somewhere. Didn’t get a response? Don’t take it personally. I know this is easier said than done but it’s true. There are editors who I have literally pitched dozens of times before landing a story. Had I taken all those ignored emails personally, I wouldn’t have landed a story later….like my first feature with AFAR, which I’m working on now.

Consider this: I do try to respond to as many emails as possible, but even when I do politely turn down an idea, I often get even more emails. These responses are typically along the lines of “Oh, thanks for the response, good to know….but what about this and that other ideas I have?” I’m not mad at you for trying again, but realize that when you do, you’re creating more work me (and other writers) and we have to draw the line somewhere. As such, we sometimes choose to not respond at all so we can focus on responding to the emails that we know we’re interested in.

Want some help pitching? Join my Ask Me Anything call this Thursday!

Here are a handful of my previous newsletters on the topic:

Here’s How to Guarantee I See Your Pitch

How to Send the Perfect Pitch - Part 1 (Tips and Tricks)

How to Send the Perfect Pitch - Part 2 (Example of a Perfect Pitch)

How to Send the Perfect Pitch - Part 3 (A Behind-the-Scenes Forbes Case Study)

How to Send the Perfect Pitch - Part 4 (Seven Specific Things You Must Do)

10 Reasons Why You Weren’t Included in my Forbes Product Roundup

The Difference Between the FOUR Forbes Sections I Write For

What to Know About Pitching CNN

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Live Q&A With Me Thursday, Sep 12

Want to really dig into pitching? Perhaps run a pitch by me that you haven’t been able to land? Want to talk SEO strategy? Chat about my current assignments for AFAR, Midwest Living, and Insider? Want to discuss an email you sent 10 follow-ups about but never got a response to? We can discuss all of that and more. I currently have three spots left on the call.

Wondering what these calls are like? Here’s what previous attendees have to say:

“I appreciate Cassandra’s time and the opportunity to hear directly what she’s looking for and get her feedback. I think it’s invaluable for us get have this access and get to know the writer and other publicists better.”

- Kristen Montag, Senior PR & communication manager, Meet Minneapolis

“I joined my first AMA with Cassandra today and loved the intimate feel and engaging discussion on a variety of topics. I took away a lot from the conversation – not only Cassandra’s insights but also hearing from fellow publicists. This definitely felt more productive to me than the larger group calls. No shade on them, they have value too, but this almost felt like a workshop or deskside. I am looking forward to the next one.

- Jennifer Sweeney, Principal, Jennifer Sweeney Communications

“Great to tune in today — thanks for indulging my questions! It was fascinating learning more about your work and process.”

– Selena Taylor, writer/photographer

Date: Thursday, September 12th

Time: 12pm PT / 3 pm ET

Here’s how to secure your spot…