How to Pick the Right Request to Answer

How to Pick the Right Request to Answer

Each day brings many journalist requests. Answering the wrong ones wastes your time. Here is how to choose.

1. Match: does it ask about something you have actually done? If not, skip.
2. Outlet fit: is this a place you would be proud to be quoted? If not, skip.
3. Specific question: vague requests get vague answers. Favor sharp questions.
4. Realistic deadline: enough time to answer well, not in a panic.
5. Quote count: requests wanting "a few experts" beat ones wanting fifty.

Think of it like choosing which line to join at the store: shortest line, right items, in and out.

Saying no to weak matches is a skill, not laziness. It saves energy for the ones you can win.

Try this today: scan ten requests and pick only one to answer. Practice choosing, not chasing.