by Danny Rubin

You might be thinking: how do I land my company in the news?

Sometimes the answer sits on the calendar. An editorial calendar, that is.

Most newspaper and magazines create editorial calendars to guide content decisions throughout the year.

For example, Coastal Virginia Magazine has dubbed February/March 3 its “Education” issue. In that edition, the magazine will award Virginia’s top teachers. If you have an education-related piece of news or information, perhaps Coastal Magazine would be receptive — for February, not later in the year like July.

Keep in mind monthly publications often have earlier due dates for story ideas. The deadline for Coastal Virginia’s “Education” issue was 12/31/14.

That’s why it’s important to keep close watch on content calendars and submit ideas editors don’t just want but need in a given month. Once the publication decides “May will be our ‘going green’ month,” its writers and contributors are on the lookout for stories on the environment and healthy living. And if your company or event fits the theme, you stand a far better chance at coverage.

At RCG, we maintain an active database of editorial calendars for top local publications, like:

– Coastal Virginia Magazine

– The Virginian-Pilot

– Inside Business

– Tidewater Family

Contact me at danny@rubincommunications.com to find out the best place and time on the calendar to “pitch” your story!