What would YOU ask a magazine editor?

[CheyneSews]

If you had the chance to ask a super successful Etsy seller, the Etsy Press Manager, the Global Editor of Refinery29, or an editor of Ladies' Home Journal just ONE question about getting your creative business on the map, what would it be?

Well, that chance is here! This Friday, March 30, I'll lead the discussion during the Etsy Success Symposium "Get Noticed: How to Romance Blog and Magazine Editors" panel. I'd love to hear what you're most interested in, what your burning questions are, and what you hope to learn. I'll focus on how to find the right media contacts for your business, how to approach them, and how maintain a positive working relationship. I'm leading this panel just for you so let's hear it!

Remember to join us live in the Online Labs this Friday: http://www.etsy.com/community/online-labs. Read all the details on additional sessions on the blog: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/etsy-success-symposium-get-found/

Share your question below!

[CopperLeafStudios]

how would they most like to be contacted, i.e. if sent a press release, what should be included (photos?), how would they like to be addressed, etc.?

:)

[Former_Member]

I've always been unsure about how to approach them. I feel like it is very easy to come across sounding rude or entitled, but that might just be me being self-conscious.

Should we just send them a press release?

What exactly is a press release, how do write one, and/or what are some tips for writing one?

I've always felt like the only real way to get coverage on big magazines or blogs is if you paid for it, how true is this? How often do they feature items just because they are cool and they like them, if ever?

[Former_Member]

What are the biggest no-no's or turn offs and how can we avoid annoying them?

[Former_Member]

I agree with Chris from CooperLeafStudios... thats a great question. Also, is it ok to send Samples?

[Former_Member]

What are you looking for in a store that would be worthy of publishing?

[ContempoJewelry]

Is it better to reach out for press or focusing on quality products and hope I get found?

[CheyneSews]

Great questions so far - completely on point for the conversation!

[Former_Member]

I was approached by a mag editor about one of my clutches in 1madwoman. Since I do all the work myself, I can't pump out a hundred of these things. My question is, for something like that, what kind of quantities are they looking for in a featured artist? I didn't get the spot in the magazine, because I don't think I could make enough clutches, in their eyes.

[Former_Member]

what is the ideal pitch packet?

for example... what is too much and what is not enough?

I have heard there is the perfect pitch to get the editor interested for their readers / followers to find out more - what is it?

[CheyneSews]

Just making sure the late crowd gets to ask their questions, too!

[Former_Member]

I actually have quite a few - can I ask more than one?

[Former_Member]

What is the most effective way to grab their attention? I am sure they are innundated with press releases and product samples. How do I make mine stand out?

[Former_Member]

I'd love to know what makes a shop catch their eye. Is it the photos? Items? Blog? Or is it by chance?

This would really help me better understand the process of featuring a shop in a magazine and perhaps how to get featured IN one.

[Untwistedsister]

What do editors look for in magazine submissions?

[StudioCherie]

Etsy has the merchandising desk which is invaluable for us in terms of planning to make feature worthy items that might get picked up for the Etsy finds or the blog.

I wonder if Etsy could partner with some other major blogs and magazines and produce another version of the merchandising desk, giving us a heads up on what they will be looking for. I know that info is out there for sale, but it is pretty expensive to subscribe.

[CheyneSews]

Midwest Crochet from crochetconcepts says

I actually have quite a few - can I ask more than one?

Of course, of course. I might not be able to ask all of the questions during the panel but this really helps us get a good idea of what you'd like to learn from the panel.

Cherie - great idea, I'll be sure to pass that along.

[WingsAllure]

I would like to know the "Pitch Packet" too.
1. How do they want to be contacted?
2. What do they like to see in our pitch?
3. What do they NOT want to see in our pitch?
4. Just how much personal info do we share upfront?
5. Do they want a sample item in the original pitch?

[Former_Member]

What if we make a variety of items? Do we approach them with a selection, or narrow it down? How much is too much?

[CheyneSews]

All great questions!