How to Pitch Brandy Shaul

1) What’s the best way to pitch you?

I definitely prefer email over Twitter, phone, etc. My work email is listed on my author page on SocialTimes. I don't outright reject phone calls or tweets, but I’m likely just going to suggest you email me your details anyway so I can keep track.

2) What’s the best time to pitch you?

It’s best to reach out at least two or three days before the app / game / story is set to launch. As a general rule of thumb, the earlier I know about something, the better. I understand finalizing press releases can be a lengthy process, so even a simple email saying “Hey, this is happening next week; I’ll send more details ASAP” is preferred over a late notification.

3) Other than your own, which is your favorite publication to read?

I honestly don’t really have one. I keep up with industry news based on what my coworkers are writing, since my coverage area varies pretty greatly from theirs.

4) Who’s your favorite journalist?

Similar to the above, I don’t really have one. There are people I respect, of course, but I can’t say I have a favorite.

5) What kind of stories interest you?

New mobile game and app launches are my primary focus, especially when it’s something legitimately new and different, as those are harder to come by these days.

6) What tips would you give someone pitching you?

With the number of apps and games released each week, if you’re waiting until a week or more after your product has launched to request coverage, you’ve likely missed your chance.

In addition, I prefer to receive as much info as possible when being pitched. The initial paragraph or two may be all that’s needed to get the point across, but if there are available images / screenshots, press releases, videos, etc., I’d prefer to receive those from the first email (and I agree to embargoes). Along that same line, YouTube/Vimeo/etc. links for app videos and game trailers are necessary, or I can’t use them.

7) What will you never write about?

I won’t say never, but I tend to avoid sales, new hires and backend development topics. There are a few others, but I look at everything I receive, and try to respond to everything one way or another.

8) Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars, but I haven’t watched IV-VI since, I believe, 12th grade English class. I’m sure I’d like them more if I tried again.