Hi all,
Happy Monday! I’m away from email today — learn why below :)
As always, you’ll see what I’m currently working on, along with instructions for pitching, personal updates and more.
Please reach out with any questions: pitch@lindsaytigar.com
Thank you, as always, for being so proactive and helping me meet my deadlines!
A note: I’ve been receiving pitches sometimes two weeks after I send out this newsletter update. That’s too late! Please pitch ASAP to be considered.
I’m Closing On Our Home Today!
Isn’t she a beaut? Woohoo! My husband and I are thrilled (and a little in shock) to be closing on our first home together today. My address will be changing once again, but this time, for the foreseeable future. Please email me if you’d like to update your records and I’d be happy to share it. I’m away from email today to sign and celebrate, but will be back online tomorrow.
How to pitch: step by step!
Email only! I keep my personal and professional life separate, so the best way to get in touch is always email: pitch@lindsaytigar.com
Send ONE email per opportunity below. I know it’s a pain. But I write upwards of 40-50 stories a month, and it’s the only way I can keep my sanity.
Please do not send commentary before I send questions. I vet all emails I receive and send specific questions to help my writing process. I will never accept or use unsolicited commentary.
I’ll share outlet via email, every single time. But I won’t post it here. Just ask!
Please follow formatting instructions. As we head into gift guide season, this is even more important. I explain formatting in emails, again, as a way to keep my sanity. It’s so helpful when you pitch appropriately!
A (long) note on expert commentary
Thanks to this newsletter, I’ve been introduced to so many new experts. It’s awesome! However, there is always some bad with the good. Before you submit your client as an expert or send their expert commentary, here are some tips:
Consider if the expert makes sense. While an entrepreneur may seem like a great fit for everything, they can’t comment on nutrition or health advice unless they have the resume or education to back up that expertise. When you’re sending back their response, please note their expertise in their title, too. Example: Jane Smith, founder of an energy-saving company. Not just, Jane Smith, entrepreneur.
Length is everything. In every single email I send for commentary, I always remind experts/publicists I need at least a few (3-5) sentences per tip. So if the question is ‘Please provide 2-3 ways…’, each of those ‘ways should be 3-5 sentences. If this requirement isn’t met, I delete the expert response. The goal of using an expert is to add character, depth and guidance to my stories. A single sentence is never, ever enough.
No first-person and no location-specific content, unless requested. All expert commentary should be in third person and should relate to the general public (not a specific population or city) unless specified otherwise. I don’t tend to write regional content, so always assume national.
The expert’s company should never be part of their response. While, of course, the expert is trying to promote their business, I’m never able to quote someone from a company who recommends to use said company. That’s called advertising or product placement, and isn’t earned media. Of course, most publications do link back to company websites, but remember, the advice should be general and not self-promotional.
Original commentary only. If the commentary has ever been submitted to another journalist, I can’t use it. If the commentary is pulled off the expert’s blog, I can’t use it. If the commentary is copied/pasted from another website or article, I can’t use it. I run all commentary through a plagiarism check.
Only one expert can be quoted from a company. No two people can say the exact same thing. If there are co-founders, please choose one to be quoted in the story.
Keep submitting experts and they aren’t getting used? I probably know why. Feel free to email me and I’m happy to give feedback.
A (shorter) note on ‘guaranteeing’ inclusion
I’m always fascinated when I’m asked about ‘guaranteeing’ inclusion if an expert responds, if I’m hosted at a property, if I’m sent a product. Freelancers can never, ever, EVER guarantee inclusion for anything. Plus, before hearing from said expert, staying at said property or seeing said product, how can a journalist ethically promise it’s all great and will be included?
It’s unethical — and it’s not a practice I participate in. So if you’re curious, the answer is nope, nothing is guaranteed. That said, I do try my best to find placements for experts, products and hospitality that I like. It’s just never promised.
Current Press Opportunities
Please follow pitching instructions above, thank you!
Expert commentary
Relationship experts on how to carve out alone time in a relationship. FAST turnaround, please get in touch ASAP.
Relationship experts to recommend books to transform your relationship. Obviously can’t be their own book. FAST turnaround, please get in touch ASAP.
Publicists to discuss setting quarter-by-quarter goals for media coverage in 2022.
Publicists to discuss setting a PR budget in 2022.
Makeup artists to discuss how to clean make-up brushes.
Relationship and financial experts to discuss the most important money discussions to have before you get married.
Financial experts on how to recover from a year when you didn’t save any money.
Relationship and wedding experts to discuss how to build your relationship with your in-laws to be.
Travel experts to discuss babymoons.
A doctor (MD) to discuss aromatherapy benefits.
Career experts to discuss micro career goals.
Dermatologists to discuss acne mapping: what it is, what it means, etc.
Dietitians and nutritionists to recommend the best breakfast foods to eat if you have high cholesterol FAST turnaround, please get in touch ASAP.
Product round-ups
Rounding up make-up brushes for a New Year story.
Rounding up acne-fighting products. They must be a well-reviewed, popular brand that’s somewhat well-known.
Travel stories
Seeking babymoon hotels/resorts within the United States. Must be within driving distance of a major city and be listed on one of the following websites: —Hotels by Hilton
—Marriott Bonvoy
—Tripadvisor
—Priceline
—Expedia
—Booking.com
—Hotels.com
Recent Work
Below are links to my byline page for my current outlets. By clicking on these links, you can see the most recently published work. If you don’t see it here, it likely isn’t published. Unfortunately, freelancers never know when stories go live but when it does, it’ll be here. Generally speaking, please allow six weeks before inquiring about publication.
For a pretty good collection of recent bylines, check out my Muckrack page.
PUBLISHED/FINISHED Holiday Gift Guides
Special note here: I’m *not* accepting pitches for these stories. They’re finished. I won’t be adding more.
For USA Today Reviewed: These beauty stocking stuffers will dazzle your giftee this Christmas
For Daily Paws: 17 Ridiculously Cute Dog Christmas Cards to Send This Holiday Season
For HerMoney: 20 Baby Items Worth the Splurge (+9 Deals We Love!)
For Daily Paws: 15 Scrumptious Christmas Dog Treats for Festive Floofs Everywhere
For USA Today Reviewed: Skip Winter Skin Woes With These Tips From Dermatologists
For Sunday Riley: 18 Garden-Inspired Gifts for the Plant Parent in Your Life
For Sunday Riley: The 11 Most Dazzling Holiday Makeup Palettes of the Season
For CNN Underscored: Health and fitness gift ideas for anyone obsessed with working out
For CNN Underscored: 20 of the comfiest gifts for the homebody in your life
Looking for a writer?
In addition to journalism, I own a content marketing agency, Tigar Types. We offer a full suite of services, ranging from blog and newsletter development to ghostwriting and more. We have worked with several PR agencies to support their client needs — and would love to work with you! Learn more about Tigar Types here. I’m currently offering 10 percent off the first month of work* for anyone referred from this newsletter. *Only valid with a three-month contract.