Valley PR Blog

Pitch Me: Colleen Sparks

By Charlotte Shaff on November 11th, 2008 In ValleySource

Name: Colleen Sparks
Title: Freelance reporter, PR specialist and copyeditor
Outlet: The Arizona Republic and other publications
Phone: 480-399-1512
Email

1. What are your main daily duties?

I am a freelance reporter and public relations specialist. I write community news and feature stories for The Ahwatukee Republic (the section that comes out Wednesday through Saturday in Ahwatukee). I have been a journalist for 12 years but am just getting started doing it as a full-time freelancer so I am looking for more newspapers, magazines and other publications to send my articles. It always helps to have a great story idea to send them… hint, hint.

I am also doing freelance PR work, writing press releases for organizations, businesses, and individuals and pitching them to the media. I worked as a public relations specialist for a year and a half so I have been on both sides, pitching and being pitched.

On the side I am proofreading and copyediting resumes, cover letters, and college papers. You could say I wear a lot of hats!

2. What kinds of stories are you looking for?

For the Ahwatukee Republic really localized neighborhood news and feature stories on new Block Watch groups, unusual new businesses, interesting residents, Girl and Boy Scout activities, changes in outdoor recreation, unique church programs, etc. I don’t cover major Phoenix City Council action or other hard-hitting breaking news stories in Ahwatukee because a full-time reporter already does that, just FYI.

As far as stories for magazines and other publications, the sky is the limit! I love writing about local politics, non-profit organizations and churches helping underserved populations and other news features. Personality profiles are always fun, too. I was a band geek in high school and have danced most of my life so I have a soft spot for any stories about performing arts groups, too.

3. What’s the best way to approach you with a pitch?

Just send me an e-mail with a concise description of the story, what the news angle is and what geographical area of the Valley it covers.

4. What recommendations do you have for PR professionals?

Most that I have worked with in the Valley are very professional and do a fantastic job. I would say just be sure you know all the information is accurate before you send it to reporters or tell them you need to check it first. Also know what beat the reporter covers and try to tailor your press release to that area.

5. What’s the strangest/weirdest pitch you’ve ever received?

I have heard so many weird ideas delivered in bizarre ways over the years. The funniest/strangest story wasn’t the topic itself but the fact that the “woman” who was the subject was actually a man and I didn’t find out until his/her former father-in-law called me after the article was published. I should have spotted the Adam’s apple during the interview.

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