<b>Outreach beyond the query: follow the byline</b>

<b>Outreach beyond the query: follow the byline</b>

Most people only answer open queries and stop there. There's a quieter path: reaching the reporter directly.

A "byline" is the author's name printed under a headline. It's a doorway. If someone writes often about your topic, they may want sources again.

Think of it like noticing which neighbor always borrows tools. They're your best bet next time you have one to lend.

Here's the gentle approach:

— 1. Find two or three articles in your niche and note the bylines.
— 2. Read their recent work so you know their angle.
— 3. Send one short, useful note — not a sales pitch, just a clear offer to help on their beat.

A "beat" is the topic a reporter covers regularly. Match it and you're welcome, not spam.

Try this today: open one article you'd love to be quoted in and write down its byline.