Publicist - First Steps

You wish to help mold the image of those on the front line in the entertainment business and have superior communication skills, for this is what it takes to become a successful publicist, then keep on reading!  You have to have to have the ability to communicate both in writing and verbally.   You have to be able to deal with temperamental personalities, as most artists are very temperamental beings.  You have to be able to maintain your composure when facing the media, promoters, venue owners, etc, especially if there is a potentially controversial issue surrounding your artist(s).  You have to be able to present a professional image for yourself, as well as, your artist(s).

First Step: Make sure your written requests look professional.
You want to make sure that all correspondence that you send out looks as professional as possible.  If you don't have any experience in writing professional press releases, take steps to find out what the media professionals consider a well written release.  Most media will let you know what their criterua are for accepting and publishing releases.   You can also research press releases on the Internet from other notable companies, and at most colleges.  If you want what you send to be taken seriously, you must make sure that the material is presented professionally.   If you don't have company letterhead, you should have letterhead created and use it for all hardcopy correspondence.

Update: Your electronic (soft copy) correspondence is governed by the same rules/regulations as hardcopy correspondence.

Second Step: Making yourself known to the media.
In order to ensure that your press releases are taken seriously when sent to the media (print, radio, and television), you must first get to know the people who will be receiving the information and let them get to know you.   You must establish yourself as a legitimate Publicist representing a legitimate company promoting a legitimate artist.   Write a letter of introduction about yourself, the company you represent, and any artist(s) on your roster.  Let the receiver know that you will be sending in press releases, requests for interviews and/or show reviews periodically, and that you would appreciate their time in reviewing and responding to your requests.

Third Step: Make yourself known to Event Promoters.
You need to let those that are putting on the events at which your artist(s)are performing know who you are, and who you represent.   It is important to form these relationships so thst you can work together to make the event a success, and these relationships, if handled properly, ensures that your artist(s) will be booked for future events.  You wil need to coordinate who will compose the media releases, and who will notify the media about the event.   Do not be concerned if the promoter wants to handle all media releases, it may work to your advantage if they have a better relationship with the media.   You simply need to provide them with the information on your artist(s), and your contact information which should be included in the release to be sent out.   You also want to establish this relationship so that you may have input on the setup of any pre- and post - event Meet-And-Greets with your artist(s).  This is important so that both you and your artist(s) are prepared for the event.   You want to make sure that you have plenty of items for your artist(s) to autograph and give away, and that you are present (although in the background) at the Meet-And-Greets in the event anyone from the media is present and wants to do an impromptu interview.

These are just the beginning steps to being a Publicist, there is a lot more to this position that I am unable to address in one blog entry.  I am available for one-on-one and group sessions which go into more depth on the roles and responsibilities of a Publicist.  Contact me at Prod@GStyl.com with Business Seminars as the subject.

Until next time, continue to polish your written and verbal skills
G