Sources, experts, quotes--whatever they call them, editors love those people that give your article pizzazz with their words in quotes. How do you track them down?
The editor bought your article idea. He wants a few personal ancedotes, 800 words, and at least 3 expert sources. Experts? Writers are chained to the computer 12 hours a day. When do they have the time or opportunity to meet experts at anything except pouring coffee at Starbucks? Surprise! Experts are all around us. Learn four great ways to find them.
Friends and Family – Most writers turn toward their circle of friends for expert quotes. Some even go as far as making a list of friends(and their spouses), co-workers, family members, and neighbors then deciding what is each person field of expertise. It doesn’t have to be their job—do they raise tulips, coach Little League, or belong to a blended family? Any of these things can make them a great addition to an article. The only problem is that friends may not want to be totally honest about controversial subjects if it means bringing their skeletons out of the closet or saying negative things about family members or friends. That’s why it’s important to have a broader group to approach for ‘expert’ opinions.
Old Alumni—Remember those depressing newsletters you get from your old high school or college telling you about all the promotions, awards, and successes of old friends and enemies? Goodbye depression. Hello sources. Alumni newsletters can be invaluable when you need to find a doctor, lawyer or Indian chief. Don’t forget to mention a few old school memories. People are more inclined to agree to an interview—after all you’re fellow alumni! It’s also easy to find them as more alumni groups move online, complete with members’ email addresses.
Local Newspaper—The New York Times is worthless but the Timbuktu Gazette is a gold mine when you’re searching for sources. Small hometown papers love to publish articles about locals doing interesting things or even natives who have moved out into the big bad world after graduating from a local high school. National stories often include comments from a local source, such as a retired soldier’s opinion on military cutbacks or a local doctor’s opinion on a new medical finding. Save these names! These are people who like to talk to the media. Also check for information about local classes and workshops, support groups, and organizations. Where better to get comments for an article about knitting than the Main Street Knitting Circle that meets every second Tuesday at the Methodist Church?
Written by—Amazon, along with other bookstore sites, are always a great place to find experts. Doing a book about the advantages of teaching chess to children? Try to find a book online. Be careful about approaching authors—check their background to see if they have any professional background or are they just a guy who likes chess who paid a vanity press to publish his book? When you find a book it often leads you to an author’s website and contact information. Can’t find a website? Contact the public relations department of the publisher—look on the publisher’s website under “For the Media” or “Publicity”. At the least they’ll give you contact information, often they’ll set up the interview for you and point you to other experts to interview (of course experts that published books with their company).
