Using Press Releases . . . to Find Work

Using Press Releases . . . to Find Work Ever wonder where some authors get their ideas to pitch to magazines, blogs, and online sites? I rarely hear of this trick being used anymore, but I consider it a tried and true habit that will land you article after article in your freelance career. Read press releases. We hear about creating press releases, but we never hear about reading other press releases. But each and every morning, when you sit down to your computer and report to work, all you have to do is open your email to the press release services youve signed up for, and the ideas come bubbling out.   How do you sign up for press releases? You go to the same places youd post a press release: www.prnewswire.com   www.prweb.com www.pr.com www.ereleases.com www.24-7pressrelease.com   www.newswire.com You can also find press releases at: Tourism sites (state, city, regions) Government sites (FBI, USDA, IRS, State Dept) International sites (European Union, the UN, NATO) Corporate sites (Microsoft, Apple) University sites I pulled a random one off a site to set an example: Ylang Ylang Beach Resort Joins Home Country of Costa Rica in Participating in International Day of Yoga pr.com/press-release/676097 From that one press release, in seconds, I thought of five story ideas for publications. Topics about International Yoga Day, practicing yoga on vacation, Costa Rica holidays, a profile of the resorts owner and her affiliation with yoga, retreats that specialize in yoga. I once met a freelance writer who opened her day reading press releases then pitching magazines . . . and that was her full-time living. Sounds so uncomplicated, doesnt it?