Foreword: by Food Network Star, Paula Deen
Since you picked up this book, and are reading this little essay, I am going to share my most secret recipe with y'all.
Paula's Recipe for Success
Ingredients:
- 1 part curiosity
- 1 part sincerity
- 1 part dedication
- 1 part hard work
- 2 parts interest in other people
- 2 parts passion
Instructions:
Combine all six, and add a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve your goal.
Chapter One: The Power of the Glowing Box
There are literally hundreds of shows, from local TV to Oprah, that depend on guests. The producers of these shows are constantly seeking new angles on stories, novel ideas, unique information, and fresh faces to deliver it all. For you, this translates into countless opportunities to get your message in front of millions of interested people.
Chapter Two: In the TV Guide of Life, Who Are You - and Why?
The first brick you need to build your house of TV stardom (before studying the shows you want to get booked on or trying to craft a pitch), is a definition of who you are and what your message is. In other words, you need a platform.
Chapter Three: Know the Shows!
It didn't take much imagination to name this chapter - it happens to be the exact phrase every producer we know, ourselves included, immediately shouts out when asked, "What's the number one piece of advice you can give someone who wants to get booked on a television show?"
Chapter Four: Perfect Pitch
There are four facts you should know about pitching:- You do stand a chance to have your pitch heard. Producers are always looking for fresh content and new faces. We watch every tape, and read all emails or hand delivered pitches that look interesting hoping one will be "it."
- It's much easier to contact the right person at a show then you think - just call the show and ask. Sounds obvious, but people rarely do it.
Chapter Five: The Welcome Guest
Your first (second, or third…) appearance on TV is the beginning of what can be an enjoyable and beneficial relationship with the media. Prepare, and do your homework, and you will deliver an effective message that furthers your goals - and increase your chances of getting asked back or scoring additional appearances on other shows and networks.
Chapter Six: Expand Your TV Presence
One TV appearance is great but how do you take that experience and multiple it? What does it take to turn your expertise into a resource well TV producers want to dip into again and again? There's no magic - it's a three-step process:- Build relationships - Producers move from show to show - their job jumping is beneficial because if you have a relationship with them they will book you wherever they go.
Chapter Seven: Show You the Money
Sometimes a guest is so compelling and appealing to the audience that they start appearing regularly on shows, turning up everywhere from morning networks, to cable news to daytime talk. Producers and show runners realize, hey this person is a believable expert who viewers respond to and we want them all to ourselves.
