Episode #65: Land a Long Feature in WSJ with Kelsey Ogletree
“It just goes to show that, as much as you try to follow the exact formula that journalists say they want for a pitch, it could be a matter of really good timing sometimes. And in those cases, none of that other stuff matters quite as much.”
-Kelsey Ogletree, on the role of good timing when pitching media
Here is the story of a piece that almost wasn’t meant to be. And, if you’re into interior design, you’ll especially want to give this episode a listen. Our guest shares how a trending topic, unlikely pitch, and serendipitous encounter with a stranger all culminated into a nice, long feature with beautiful imagery for the Wall Street Journal.
In this episode, you'll learn…
How a big feature (with original imagery!) is put together for a top-tier outlet
Why social trends matter to journalists and editors (hello again, TikTok!)
What additional info helps a freelance writer make an informed decision (transparency is always key!)
Our guest is:
Kelsey Ogletree, an Alabama-based independent journalist covering travel, food, design and golf. Her work has appeared in various print and digital outlets, from Midwest Living and Real Simple to The Wall Street Journal and Allrecipes. She’s also the founder of Pitchcraft, a journalist-led membership platform helping PR professionals build relationships with freelance writers and editors in the national consumer lifestyle space.
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Show Notes:
:00— Britt introduces our guest.
1:23— Britt asks Kelsey to go over her story.
3:37— Britt asks Kelsey how the photos were produced for this story.
4:45— Britt asks Kelsey for details about the pitch, why she almost deleted it, and why she ended up running with the story anyway.
8:36— Britt mentions that the pitch is really long and with links to Google drive. She then asks if they followed up.
10:00— Britt mentions Kelsey’s name wasn’t even named and that the pitch was bcc’d.
11:30— Kelsey appreciated how transparent the publicist was about prior press they earned for their client, and went into detail with their back-and-forth conversation.
13:58— Jackie remarks how there just isn’t one way to do things.
16:13— Britt asks if the stranger she met on a plane was interviewed for the story.
18:48— Britt asks Kelsey if she receives a lot of pitches.
19:14— Britt asks Kelsey if she opens every email.
20:54— Britt asks Kelsey what the most important things a publicist can provide her with.
25:14— Britt asks what positive characteristics stand out to her about publicists.
28:40— Britt asks Kelsey to talk about Pitchcraft.
33:30— Shoutout time!
Things we talked about:
Connect with Kelsey Ogletree
Connect with Jackie & Britt
Google Form for Publicity & DPR Coaching Sessions
