Get More Assignments By Covering Events

Get More Assignments by Covering Events By David Geer I attended a presentation 50 miles away. The speaker was an executive in the technology space, which is my primary beat. Days before, I started pitching ideas for coverage. I landed one assignment just before going, and another after. While I'm waiting to hear about other pitches, I'm writing more. I can re-use my research and call the keynoter for additional interviews or follow-up questions. I expect to get several assignments. Many magazines have long lead times and will be happy to hear about the angles I can offer. Get Announcements; Get Invited. In my case, a PR Representative invited me. Though I'm not sure how I was found, I can tell you how I make sure I can be found. First, I get my listing up at sites where PR reps look. ProfNet - http://www.ProfNet.com and Media Personnel - http://www.mediapersonnel.com are two examples. I also seek out PR reps. Go to http://www.google.com and search for [fill in your beat] "news release". I might search for technology "news release", for example. Click a release and select the PR rep's e-mail link. Introduce yourself and ask to be put on their e-mail list. You can also search by company or organization and ask to receive event notices. Skip the Press Pass. 1) Make arrangements through the PR rep who knows you. 2) Instead of asking if you'll need a press pass, simply ask how they will know you. 3) Print out invitations, e-mail notifications and anything else to verify your expected arrival. 4) Get names of the people who will know you are coming. 5) If you pick up assignments beforehand, tell the PR rep to pass it on. 6) Carry business cards and clips; look the part, too. 7) If all this isn't enough, try to get a press pass through a publication you've written for, or start out covering events within easy driving distance. How to interest editors with the offer of event coverage: 1) Let them know you're definitely going. 2) Make a list of reasons why (a) live coverage, (b) of this event, (c) by you, make your pitch more appealing than others. 3) Factor in the event coverage, a live topical interview or interviews, the topic presented and photos you might take. 4) Explain how interviewing in person makes for better interviews as it involves non-verbal communication, a personal touch and more trust on the part of the interviewee. 5) Know that personal interviewing demonstrates a relationship or better access, making you the better person for the job. 6) By investing in the project you are making a commitment to write a great piece. What else should you do to reap the most assignments from events? 1) Get known as an expert reporter on the particular beat for events you're looking for. 2) Make contact from time to time with the PR reps to ask what is coming up in your area. Your extra effort will often return an extra effort by the PR rep to notify you of something they may not have listed. 3) Learn as much as you can about the event speakers, topics, other happenings there, available interviews, related news and how other writers are taking advantage of the event, or whether you might have the only in-person coverage. 4) Make it clear to editors that you will be gathering a broad range of information that should be applicable to their publication. Even if they can't respond before you attend, they will feel confident in giving you the assignment afterwards. 5) Make it clear that you will be able to get follow-up questions. 6) If an editor writes you declining because it is "too late", share with them why it isn't, if you believe they might still be interested. 7) Cement relationships made at events so you can leverage future invitations and interviews.