Peter Shankman, a five-time best-selling author and the creator of HARO, dives into the intriguing world of media exposure. He shares the amusing backstory of how HARO was created by accident and reveals tips on how authors can grab journalists' attention. Little-known tactics emerge, like personalized email pitches and rapid response strategies. Shankman also humorously discusses the unexpected PR win for Yoo Hoo after a truck heist. His insights on the evolving landscape of journalism and effective communication are invaluable for aspiring authors.
Peter Shankman emphasizes the effectiveness of HARO for authors aiming to garner media attention through concise and timely responses.
The podcast encourages authors to craft narratives that resonate with readers and journalists, shifting focus from personal stories to compelling content.
Deep dives
Emerging Author Program
The Emerging Author Program offers aspiring writers an opportunity to publish their authority-building book at a fraction of the cost typically paid by high-end clients. This program provides access to proprietary methods and one-on-one coaching to help authors effectively implement these strategies without feeling overwhelmed. Participants also receive the benefit of publishing under a reputable imprint, helping them avoid the stigma often associated with self-publishing. This initiative is particularly appealing for those who are serious about their writing journey and are willing to invest time and effort into their development.
Leveraging HARO for Media Exposure
The use of Help a Reporter Out (HARO) is highlighted as a powerful tool for authors looking to gain media attention without the need for a publicist. The podcast discusses how quick, concise responses to HARO queries can significantly enhance visibility and lead to valuable media mentions. Peter Shankman emphasizes that timing and clarity are crucial when responding to these requests, suggesting that potential respondents prepare a template of their answers to facilitate speedy submissions. He shares his personal success stories to illustrate how effective engagement with HARO can transform an author's presence in the media.
Crafting Engaging Stories
The conversation stresses the importance of crafting narratives that resonate not only with oneself but also with potential readers and journalists. Authors are encouraged to shift their focus from simply telling their own stories to creating compelling content that interests others. Examples provided include personal experiences tied to broader themes that evoke empathy or curiosity, thereby making the subject matter more relatable. This approach helps to foster connections that are more likely to result in media engagement, ensuring the author's message receives the attention it deserves.
Peter Shankman is many things, among them a five-time best selling author, entrepreneur and corporate in-person and virtual keynote speaker who focuses on customer service. But in this episode I got him speaking about something so many of you ask me about: HARO, or Help a Reporter Out...the website he started (and sold to Cision many years ago) that helps so many authors get featured in mainstream media.
In this conversation, which happened in rapid fire while he was in the throws of salmonella, Peter shared with me how he started HARO accidentally, the best way to get a journalist's attention and why someone stealing a Yoo Hoo truck ended up being the best PR Yoo Hoo could get, among many other topics.