Home
>
Public Relations
>
Do I Really Need a Publicist?

Do I Really Need a Publicist?

Are you hesitating about hiring a publicist or, if you have one, do you stop before writing that final zero on the monthly check, and think "I can do that myself." Suuure, you can!

But just to be certain, take this little test. Imagine you have a three-year-old and the best preschool in the city just turned down your little genius. Do you think you could sit across from the school's director and listen, dispas- sionately and objectively, as she tells you exactly why she wouldn't take the kid if he came attached to a million-dollar bequest! Not so sure anymore, are you?

That's exactly what a publicist has to do sometimes and worse. That's what I've done when a journalist or a television producer chews me out for even thinking they might be interested in my client. And then I have to listen while they ask why I'm even representing this client and do I really think I can do anything for them? Well, yes, actually I do.

And after you've been chewed out, you can't say what you'd like to, that the producer is such an idiot he wouldn't recognize a story if Bush's daughter eloped with the handyman! No, you have to sit there and laugh or if on the phone, count to ten and think of another idea to pitch.

You see, you must be thick skinned and not take it personally when you're rejected. And a publicist if rejected more often than Cinderella was rejected by her stepmother. Publicizing yourself is like the lawyer representing himself and having a fool for a client or the doctor operating on a family member. It can't be done, or at least it shouldn't be done.

When you represent yourself, you can't possibly be objective. You are so emotional that you can't think clearly and you're bound to say the wrong thing and make the wrong person angry. And anyone who can ever help you in any way at any time is definitely the wrong person. You see, just because the reporter says no now doesn't mean he will say no four months from now. It's entirely possible that a few months from now he will call you...but not if you bawled him out when he said no.

A publicist, if he or she is good, knows when to back off and return to fight another day. When I'm turned down, of course it hurts. Especially if I think my client is so terrific that I can't understand why everyone else doesn't agree with me.

Actually, there's a lot to be said for a publicist retaining the mentality of a hired gun. That way you're more objective,thinking clearly and better able to help your client. That way, when a producer says no, I can take it because he's not turning me down, he's turning down my client.

There's something else to consider. Many people in the media prefer not to work with anyone who does not have a publicist for the reasons I've just mentioned. It's easier for them. Publicists are more professional, know what journalists want and a good publicist is like a supermarket--one-stop shopping.Everything the journalist needs is right there.

Dealing directly with a restaurant or other business means running up against hurt feelings, unreasonable expectations ("you mean I won't be on the cover and get four inside pages?") and not getting requested information timely. Like many publicists, I work with many different businesses including many restaurants. A very dear friend who is in a position to throw a lot of business to my restaurant-clients tells me she will only work with a restaurant that has a publicist. Why? Because it's just easier.

Another point to consider is, are you sure you want to go into the publicity business? When you represent yourself, in effect that's what you're doing. And believe me, the publicity business is not easy and it can't be done in your spare time.

If, having read this, you still think you can do it yourself, try it. It's very possible that, now knowing the pitfalls, you will be successful. I've had clients who were terrific at publicizing themselves.

Miriam Silverberg is founder and owner of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a publicity firm in New York City with extensive experience working with restaurants, authors, doctors, fashion and beauty industries and the arts and cultural groups such as New York City Ballet.

cleaning service near Bannockburn ..

In The News:

Choose between OpenAI releasing Sora text-to-video model, the AI race heating up, or Waymo driverless cars launching in cities across the country

Learn how to set up Google Maps and Apple Maps on your phone to automatically remember where you parked. Step-by-step instructions for enabling location services and parking detection.

Phishing scammers use rnicrosoft.com domain to impersonate Microsoft by replacing "m" with "rn" in typosquatting attacks that steal login credentials.

OpenAI announces new teen safety rules for ChatGPT users under 18, blocking romantic roleplay and requiring extra caution on body image topics.

A 2025 data breach at fintech company 700Credit exposes personal information of more than 5.8 million people through compromised third-party integration partner.

Retailers lose $76.5 billion annually to return fraud as nearly 10% of U.S. retail returns involve fraudulent activity, with $850 billion in returns expected in 2025.

ShinyHunters claims responsibility for stealing 94GB of Pornhub user data affecting over 200 million records and demands Bitcoin ransom.

ChatGPT 2025 now connects to Apple Music, Canva, Expedia, TripAdvisor and OpenTable through built-in apps that help users create playlists, design graphics and more.

Apple releases emergency patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in attacks. iPhone and iPad users urged to update immediately.

DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.

Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.

The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.

New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.

Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.

New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.

Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.

Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.

New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.

The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.

San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.

FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.

Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.

Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.

Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.

Do I Really Need a Publicist?

Public Relations