There is a lot of talk lately about the press release being ‘dead.’ Reporters I work with from various media outlets often prefer a concise and clever pitch to a lengthy press release - formatted the way we were taught in college or by the many ‘how-to’ press releases resources.

I started what I call the ‘interview pitch’ a few years ago. This pitch lets the reporter ‘experience’ what it would be like if you were featured on their show or in their article.

For example: Tell them up front who you are and why you are an expert (and tell them in one sentence). Then tell them what you want to do - do you want to contribute information on recession-proof businesses? Do you want to create a segment where you can provide relationship advice to various guests? Get them excited about having you as a guest/contributor/interviewee by letting them know the information you’ll be imparting to their audience.

After your intro, give them several different ideas in bullet points of other topics you can speak on. Make sure all the ideas are relevant to the media outlet you are pitching.

Last, follow up with a brief bio and contact information.

The best way to do this without feeling overwhelmed is to make a list of 25 media outlets you want to be a part of. Take the time to research what segment or what section you would be most appropriate for. Then identify the proper contact for that section and craft your ‘interview pitch.’