Diane being interviewed by Red Room Company and ABC Radio National in Cairns

This article may seem to be ‘all about me’, but I am just trying to help you see how to get publicity for yourself. I could be a ‘nobody’ or a ‘worker ant’ in a larger organisation - however have decided to dig my own road. So, here is my advice to you. I hope it helps you.

Recently I heard about a poetry project which was carrying duffle bags of poems up both Australian coast on ships. I fully researched every inch of the project and worked out how I could fit into it. The project was run by the Red Room Company and involved ABC Radio National. I am a sailor and write poems SO… I searched out my best poem and bought a new set of clothes and got a haircut.  I uploaded several poems to the website at Pool. I told my fellow poets about it. I contacted the organisers and offered local knowledge and as much help as was needed (from photos of the venue beforehand to my husband rushing off to buy camera batteries at the event etc) and then turned up at the drop off point - on time.

I got into the documentary and was interviewed for Radio National. I got the photo. It is on my CV. My poems were featured on the front page of Pool. Poetry may be a niche in society but these insider secrets to getting publicity can apply to greater areas. it is a win-win for all because now I am publicising the Red Room Company, who support poetry and are a wonderful group of people.

It is necessary, if you want to get publicity, to organise it beforehand. The media does not know by esp what is happening. Make contacts and put your work out there to be viewed. I did not get into the local paper in the above example - but could have, had I made the connections beforehand. This is the key. I have been featured in the local paper many times previously, and once again I had to go out (ensuring my work is of a high standard first) and put myself and my acheivements in front of the relevant person.

Just search the internet and find that contact. You have to turn yourself into your own ‘agent’. If you are starving in a garrett bemoaning your lack of publicity, realise you have to DO it just as you had to DO it when you sat down to create your art work, of whatever persuasion. If you don’t want to - find an ‘agent’ to do it for you. Join a group that is doing it. However - this way you will have less control over the ‘outcome’, less profit from your craft and maybe only a passing nameless mention as a ‘contributor’. It is up to you to decide the best road.