Luckily, Web gives you access to very same news feeds that reporters watch. Most online services and web portals provide real-time access to major wire services.

Check wires for breaking news, especially in your field, at least once a day. You’ll get a head start: wires set agenda for rest of news media. Remember rule: on today’s wire = in tomorrow’s papers.

--Pertinent statistics --Real-life examples --Photos of you or of clients who have benefited from your advice --Confirmation from other experts Sure, you can leave it to them to do additional research, or dig up photos they need to flesh out your story.

And just as sure, they may decide to move onto another story – one that requires less heavy lifting. The more you help a reporter, better odds your story will fly. Make it easy for them, and they’ll come back to you again and again!