PR & Media Relations
Whether you’re making a big announcement, spreading the word about an upcoming event, need a little coaching on how to prep for a live interview, or want to take a proactive approach to connecting with media—I’m here to help. Here are a few releases, pitches, and stories I drafted, distributed, and partnered with outlets on that made waves in the local and national news.
Taking a Stand Against Book Bans
With book bans on the rise nationally, The Telling Room took a stand to advocate for including diverse stories on the bookshelves of our school libraries. Executive Director Kristina Powell speaks with News Center Maine about the issue here.
Show & Tell — Live!
The Telling Room was thrilled to be back on the stage of the State Theatre for one last storytelling extravaganza featuring local writers and nationally recognized authors. Here’s who wanted in on the scoop:
Record-Breaking Writers
Writers from each of Maine’s sixteen counties swarmed The Telling Room’s Statewide Writing Contest, and one writer from each county was awarded a prize. Outlets statewide shared the exciting news:
Mainers of the Year
Not one but two Telling Room community members were featured in Maine Magazine’s 2022 Mainers of the Year list.
Celebrating Ten Years of Young Emerging Authors
Many thanks to the Portland Press Herald for this profile of The Telling Room’s most intensive writing program, Young Emerging Authors.
Meet this Award-Winning New Voice on the Maine Writing Scene
When Lily Douglass entered The Telling Room’s Statewide Writing Contest, she never guessed she’d become the youngest winner ever of the contest. Meet Lily here, profiled in the Lewiston Sun Journal.
Presenting a Hybrid Literary Fundraiser with Heart
After a two year hiatus, The Telling Room’s signature fundraiser, Show & Tell, returned to audiences — this time as a hybrid event. Pitches and press releases to local media sparked pieces on the featured performers in stories by:
Announcing New Executive Leadership
Announcing new leadership is a moment of excitement and joy for a business or organization, and it was a pleasure to get to share the news about The Telling Room’s newest Executive Director after a thoughtful search process. Outlets and local organizations were listening, such as:
Bringing Youth Voices into the Classroom
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Poetry Month, The Telling Room distributed free copies of its youth poetry anthology, A New Land, to each high school in Maine along with educator teaching resources. The initiative caught the attention of local news outlets such as:
President Obama Visits The Telling Room
When President Barack Obama enters the waiting room on your Zoom call, you answer! The former president and acclaimed author dropped in to visit students writing afterschool with The Telling Room, and the conversation sent inspiring waves throughout the community.
Impact:
Digital: NowThis, Kirkus Reviews
Print Media: Portland Press Herald, The Forecaster
Television: WMTW Channel 8, Maine 207, Newscenter Maine
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources & Tips Press Release
When the pandemic hit in early 2020, NAMI Maine wanted to get the word out about what mental health resources the organization offers to help get folks through this challenging time. I put together a comprehensive release that included available programs, as well as general mental health tips.
Impact:
Pick up from 8+ print and television outlets, including NewsCenter Maine and WMTW
Teen Text Support Line Press Release
When COVID-19 disrupted the routines and education of our youth, NAMI Maine stepped up with a new program for teens to seek mental health support through a peer support texting service. This release spread far and wide to youth, families, providers, and schools.
Impact:
Pick up from 19+ local and national media outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Maine Public Radio, the Maine Department of Education, NewsCenter Maine, WCYY and more
RALI Maine & NAMI Maine Partner for Warning Signs of Substance Use Event
An interactive walk-through experience of the warning signs of teen substance use was brought to Hallowell by RALI Maine in partnership with NAMI Maine. A press release got the word out to community members and local legislators who stopped by on the day-of, and led to media follow up after the event ended.
Impact: Stories in the Lewiston Sun Journal, Maine Department of Education site, and NewsCenter Maine