Black Publishing 101: Media Outreach

Summary

In this video transcript, Manuel Kaduri from Black Sands Entertainment discusses the importance of media outreach for authors and creators. He explains how to effectively use press releases and pitch to media outlets to gain free press coverage. Kaduri shares tips on crafting a compelling press release, including highlighting unique attributes, achievements, and providing a subtle call to action. He also advises on the timing of outreach to align with promotional efforts and mentions upcoming projects and a Kickstarter campaign for Black Sands Entertainment.

Takeaways

• 📚 The class focuses on media outreach for authors and creators, emphasizing the importance of getting free press without spending a lot of money initially.
• 🔍 Manuel Kaduri from Black Sands Entertainment is the instructor, sharing insights on how to effectively reach out to media for publicity.
• 📰 A press release is identified as a key method for getting free press, which should be crafted to attract media attention and tell a compelling story.
• 🏆 The script suggests including accolades and achievements in the press release to demonstrate credibility and interest to the media.
• 📝 The importance of a 'call to action' in the press release is highlighted, but it should be subtly included rather than being overly sales-oriented.
• 🤔 The class discusses the importance of having a unique identity or story that sets the creator apart, which can be leveraged in media outreach.
• 📈 The script mentions submitting to websites and leveraging social media platforms like AfroPunk, which cater to specific niches and audiences.
• 📌 A caution is given against paying publicists, instead encouraging creators to submit their stories themselves to maintain control and save resources.
• 💰 The potential of paid placements for increasing brand visibility is discussed, with a note of caution regarding the costs and the need to negotiate.
• 📈 The script touches on the significance of timing when it comes to media outreach, advising to align with relevant events or times when the story is most likely to be of interest.
• 🔗 The importance of building a following organically and not just focusing on follower count is highlighted, as it reflects the creator's influence and engagement.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is media outreach, specifically discussing how to effectively reach out to the media to gain free press for one's work or business.

Who is Manuel Kaduri and what is his role in the video?

Manuel Kaduri is from Black Sands Entertainment, and he is the speaker in the video, guiding the audience on how to do media outreach to promote their stories or products.

Why is media outreach important according to the video?

Media outreach is important because it helps to sell books or products without spending a lot of money on advertising. It can generate free press and get stories written about you or your work.

What are the three key elements to include in a press release according to Manuel Kaduri?

The three key elements to include in a press release are: who you are (including defining attributes), why people should care (your accolades or achievements), and what is actually going on (the news or event you want to promote).

What is an example of a platform where one can submit their press release for media outreach?

An example of a platform where one can submit their press release is afropunk, which allows community members to become contributors and share their stories.

What is a mistake that one should avoid when doing media outreach as mentioned in the video?

One should avoid sending out press releases before being ready to act on the attention, such as having a Kickstarter campaign ready or a product available for sale. Timing is crucial to capitalize on the interest generated.

What is the recommended approach when submitting a press release to a platform like afropunk?

The recommended approach is to ensure the press release is well-crafted, with a soft call to action, and to submit it at a time when it can lead to sales or support, such as during a relevant event or campaign.

What is the potential downside of hiring a publicist as mentioned in the video?

The potential downside of hiring a publicist is that they might charge a high fee and may not be necessary, as you can effectively place your story yourself on various platforms.

What is the advice given for managing social media follower counts in relation to media outreach?

The advice given is to keep the following count low, as a high following count with few followers can indicate that you are fishing for followers, which can negatively affect your perceived credibility.

What upcoming projects or events does Black Sands Entertainment have planned according to the video?

Black Sands Entertainment has several projects and events planned, including attending C2E2 in Chicago, launching a Kickstarter campaign for 'Black Sands: The First Pharaoh', finishing the comic 'Cosmic Girls', and premiering a new comic series called 'Eniola'.