How to get news and new products printed

As editor, I personally review every New Product, News and Project Truck item. I always have more material than we can publish -- coverage chances increase if you follow these four simple guidelines.

1) GIVE US A 60-DAY EXCLUSIVE
You want publicity -- we want to be the first to print it. If I like the material I'll commit to publishing it.

2) BE NEWSWORTHY AND RELEVANT

• Write for the professionals who will SELL your product, not the end user.
• Explain why they should carry your product. Don't brag or knock others.
• Call me if you need to sell me on WHY your product is important, and you are always welcome to follow up with me (e-mail preferred).
• Mentioning LTAA membership/involvement helps. I prioritize good quality products from companies who care about this industry like I do.
• We need marketing news, especially for SUVs.
• All New Product releases get reader response numbers we use to prove that we are the undisputed voice of the light truck accessory industry. Inquiries are forwarded to the person responsible for buying advertising, so be sure I have their e-mail address.
• Try to use the bullet-type format below:

• Hauler Racks, the original manufacturer of aluminum truck, van and ladder racks that break down to ship UPS, is proud to offer its new 2000 Series truck rack. This new rack is not only wider, longer and stronger, it also allows customers to advertise their company name and phone number on their racks. A new 2000 Series rack for caps and vans is also coming soon.
• Side supports on the top rails not only serve as an area to advertise, but they keep rack sides straight and add extra strength.
• A company's name and phone number lettering are offered at a small additional charge.
• Stock just three rack lengths and three leg heights to satisfy any customer.
• Made of bright dipped and anodized aluminum.
• Can be shipped via UPS.

3) SUBMIT MATERIALS IN OUR PREFERRED MEDIUM AND FORMAT
E-mail text (no fancy formatting) in Word or .txt format and high-resolution photo files to: daveh@truckingtimes.com
You may also mail a printout and any HIGH RESOLUTION (300 dpi) JPG, TIFF, EPS (DCS off) digital files, Adobe Photoshop color images in CMYK mode, MAC zip disks color photos or slides via e-mail or on CD -- (no lo-res digital camera files, Polaroids or printed matter) and text (typed preferred) to:
David Herrmeyer, Editor
Trucking Times & Sport Utility News
307 Maryhill Dr. Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone 319-230-2050
Fax 319-277-8950
Never write on the back of a photo -- use a label attached. Send quality photos to make us both look good. For cover consideration take some vertical shots carefully "posed."

4) BE REALISTIC
Following these suggestions helps, but the only SURE way to get your product in Trucking Times & Sport Utility News is to advertise or give us an exclusive release for our industry. Never allow the future of your business to be dependent on free publicity from anyone.

FOR SEMA-SHOW COVERAGE just send me a 120 +- word description several months before the show -- I'll keep your secret. Trucking Times & SUN has the first-out, best-read show coverage because we pre-prepare long-lead advance information. I just take photos at the show and go to press immediately. I have no time to write there, so if you wait to provide information you won't hit our best issue.

PLAN PROJECT TRUCK PUBLICITY I like 60 day exclusive trade promotion rights. Sell me at the planning stage so I can plan for it too, especially if you think it will be cover worthy.

FOR ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS We normally interview our best advertiser on current issues, but talk to me if you have valuable insights readers would want. You'll be credited and you will provide a service to the industry. If you have ideas or information for articles, coop ventures, projects, studies etc. Let's talk -- maybe together we can develop some ideas. Our industry needs marketing innovations. If it's outside- the-box thinking I want to know about it.

CALL ME FOR FREE CONSULTING! I know this industry. I was a successful truck accessory manufacturer for 20 years; I owned a successful full-service truck accessory retail business; I founded this first-ever magazine for the trade; and I've worked hard to become the world's foremost expert on truck accessories. Give me a chance to put my hard-earned knowledge to work for you I'll help you sell your product to our readers, so. I really mean that.