I sent out press releases announcing my new cake business to several local newspapers yesterday. This morning I was contacted by one of them for an interview and photos. We set it up for next Monday (May 4th). Has anyone done one of these yet? I'd be open to any suggestions or ideas you'd have. I've never done one and I'm kind of nervous! I don't really know what to expect!

Thanks!

Wow, that's great! I would just say to be prepared to answer questions, have your facts all ready about how you started, your experience, what you hope to achieve with your business etc. They might want a picture of you 'decorating a cake', so have a finished cake ready and an apron and filled piping bag to hand so they can snap you 'finishing' the cake!

Good luck!

The last time I did one, the journalist faxed me a printed list of questions which I filled out for her and then she came over, met me and I provided her the photos. She then wrote up the article that read like an interview...this is pretty standard nowadays. In first person I guess just know what is the basic line you want to project-i.e. what is the USP of your place?

Congratulations.

That's awesome! How do you send out a press release?

I've done one, all right ... but on the other side of the notebook. I work for a newspaper.

That said, TubbsCookies' advice is good. You might want to have almost a resume sort of document ready for the reporter, with the just-the-facts information: Your background, your name, your business name, your address and contact information, your hours, even some basic prices and deadlines. That way, the reporter has the information in one nice hard copy and you don't have to spend time on that ... you can spend time, perhaps, on more creative stuff. (And there's less chance that someone will spell your name wrong. I have few illusions about my brethren.)

If the paper is anything like this one, be prepared to answer "What is it like starting a new business in this economy?" etc. And be prepared to debunk the sorts of cake myths we complain about on this site all the time.

Definitely have some stuff ready to go for a photo. The photographer will love you!

Let us know how it goes!