Spilling the tea on press trips and I accidentally caught a shark
My friend and former colleague's book The Trillion Dollar Conman will be brilliant & and other nepotism | Plus bookish newness, events & opportunities
My dear wordsmiths,
I’m back! If you didn’t notice I was gone, apologies, but this is longest time I’ve gone without an instalment (two weeks). I missed you all and rather delighted to see many new subscribers (just a reminder it’s free) despite my absence. Lovely to meet you. I’m Nicola, a journalism leader by day job and querying writer (fiction) by night, with a side gig as a radio presenter and a full time gig as a northerner. My others specialities are travel writing and podcast and my passion is books.
Rather annoyingly for everyone else, I’ve been off travelling and holidaying for three weeks, part of which was personal with the husband and part of which was press trip with complete strangers/other journalists. I wouldn’t exactly describe it relaxing as it involved eight flights (including six long haul) and four boat trips plus packed itineraries. Back to back travel is tiring.. although you can absolutely get out your smallest and flimsiest violin :-) as this extended trip involved Grenada, The Maldives and Cornwall (no, I don’t know why I did it all at once either). I ate a lot of very good food and stayed in beautiful places and I know I am extremely lucky.
In drama, I went sunset fishing in the Maldives (for tuna which we threw back in) and accidentally caught a shark. They usually just bite the line off but this one got the hook caught in it’s mouth and could not escape. We successfully managed to free it but not until I nearly got pulled overboard (don’t tell health and safety!)
As a result of all this very little writing was accomplished, though obviously I will be writing about travel in the very near future. It also gave me much thinking time and I have some major edits for my latest novel incoming now I have my feet back on the ground. It’s also made me appreciate home (and autumnal/fall vibes) more than ever.
I just want to thank a couple of PR colleagues for their travel help, specifically Charlotte at Rooster PR and Bella at The PC Agency.
About press trips
What the heck is a press trip? You frequently hear the phrase in connection with influencers these days but usually it’s when a travel company, tourist board or airline (usually via a PR company) host a group trip for journalists and/or influencers (usually separate trips as the two have different requirements). This means you turn up at an airport to meet a group of complete strangers and a PR and travel somewhere near or far with a view to writing about it, filming or featuring it. This a transactional agreement, often themed, and some news titles and companies (usually big, rich, nationals) do not agree with it - preferring a more independent approach to reviews. But most media companies/journalists/influencers cannot possibly afford otherwise and so it allows access to travel and access to audience. It’s a win win.
Not all trips are group led with a PR exec in tow. You could be sent to a hotel for a weekend to review or even abroad individually, for example. But the reality is that if you are lucky enough to be sent on one, they are a huge boost to most journalists who - let’s be honest - don’t earn very much plus great experience. For freelance journalists they are also an opportunity; many of big nationals pay though it’s hard to make a decent living just from travel writing with the exception of a few big hitters like UK’s Simon Calder.
Many influencers tie in brand deals and sponsored content as the backdrops often provide opportunity to bring glamour to their social feeds. Those with enormous audiences/celebrities may even be paid large sums to promote certain travel, holidays, resorts, or experiences (see the likes of Molly Mae) . Most reporters are sent on the trip to a specific brief from their editor often involving written, interview and video content - and usually the only editorial ask from a PR is certain facts and mentions. There is rarely copy approval required as the whole point is the review is real - even if the hosts pay for it. It’s about getting bums on seats via editorial content rather than blatant adverts although as you usually get to see the best of the best it’s often a flattering viewpoint.
Of course press trips are like any trips so if you can’t spot the annoying one on the trip it’s probably you! Luckily I’ve largely had fabulous trips and in my extensive experience PRs and journalists get on very well as they tend to be confident enough to roll with most scenarios. It’s a privilege and if you treat people well they treat you well back. I always treat every trip as if it’s my last and make the most of the experience and try and build relationships. I’ve made many friends and great contacts through press trips.
Bookish newness:
I used to work with the lovely Ben at the Lancashire Post and I know how much work has gone into this.. and if you can’t promote your mate’s book..
The Trillion Dollar Conman by Ben Robinson: Based on the hit BBC 5 Live podcast series, the new book The Trillion Dollar Conman by investigative journalist and former Lancashire Post reporter Ben Robinson is an incisive look into the infamous Notts County FC fraud that captivated football fans and paved the way for a dramatic, Hollywood-Esque season unlike any other in the club’s long and turbulent history. Ben Robinson is an investigative journalist at the BBC where he’s a producer on the Radio 4 documentary series File on 4. He has also been series producer for numerous podcasts including Sport’s Strangest Crimes: The Trillion Dollar Conman. Out in on October 24 in hardback Price: £20
Famous last words by Gillian McAllister: I’ve been following Gillian’s remarkable career ever since I interviewed her on BBC Radio Lancashire a few years ago and including her social presence (Instagram/Facebook mainly) as she, like me, lives in the middle of nowhere. I also look forward to her meticulously twisty thrillers. Her latest, Famous Last Words, promises to be as un-guessable as ever. Out on Jan 30, 2025. It’s Camilla’s first day back at work, her daughter’s first day at nursery. But husband Luke is nowhere to be seen. The only trace of him is an unfinished note. Camilla tries to put it out of her mind; there must be a rational explanation. Then it starts. Breaking news: there's a hostage situation developing in London.
Blenheim – 300 years of Life in a Palace by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill: Ever wondered what it’s like to live in a palace? Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, twelfth generation of the family, takes readers on a privileged tour of Britain’s Greatest Palace in her latest book, ‘Blenheim – 300 years of Life in a Palace’. Blenheim Palace has been home to the Churchill family for more than 300 years.
News, events and opportunities:
London media study tour via Journalism.co.uk: A small, private group of delegates will get the opportunity to learn directly from the best innovators in the field on November 26. It offers the chance to visit four top UK publishers ahead of the Newsrewired conference on November 27 (same link for tickets), take part in tailored sessions and workshops, and forge new contacts with senior leaders in digital publishing. Confirmed publishers include Financial Times, Fortune & Metro UK.
Three best-selling authors in Liverpool (Waterstones Events): If you still think 1990 was 10 years ago… If you can’t remember why you just walked into the kitchen…
If you love books, laughs and a great night out.... then join Alexandra Potter, Jane Costello and Milly Johnson as they discuss their latest books, and how they navigate the highs and lows of being "authors of a certain age..." Tickets £10.
Edinburgh Short Story Awards by Scottish Arts Trust: £3,000 first prize for stories up to 2,000 words, any topic. Plus awards for top entry by an unpublished writer in Scotland and for the most amusing/bizarre story. Deadline February 28 & entry fee £11. You may enter as many times as you like. Free entry is available for talented writers through a bursary scheme. Learn more here: https://www.scottishartstrust.org/bursary-application.
Author Jilly Cooper’s Rivals is coming to Disney+ (via Marina Licht at National World): The countdown is on for the new adaptation of Rivals, which will be making its debut on Friday, October 18, on Disney. The new Rivals series on Disney+ will feature eight episodes and they will all be available to watch in one go after it is released on October 18. The adaptation features Alex Hassell, who stars as former Olympian and Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black.
Scholastic Graphic Novel prize shortlist unveiled: This brand new book award celebrates the UK and Ireland’s favourite graphic novels. Graphic novels are a great way to engage all readers, particularly children who struggle with reading, as they teach children visual literacy and can even introduce them to new art forms. Young people are invite to vote on the shortlist ( see link for details). Shortlisted writers are:
Best Graphic Novel for 6-8-year-olds
A SUPER SCARY NARWHALLOWEEN by Ben Clanton
Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island by Jamie Smart
Bumble and Snug and the Shy Ghost by Max Bradley
Too Pig to Fail by Rob HarrellBest Graphic Novel for 9-12-year-olds:
Barb and the Shadow Army by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson
Mexikid by Pedro Martín
InvestiGators: All Tide Up by John Patrick Green
Finding My Voice by Aoife DooleyBest Graphic Novel for Teens:
Vern: Custodian of the Universe by Tyrell Waiters
If You’ll Have Me by Eunnie
Skulduggery Pleasant: Bad Magic by Derek Landy, P. J. Holden and Matt Soffe
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
READ MORE:
Celebrity problems at BBC Radio 2 in the park & mud glorious mud
Life as a journalist lately: I met a Spice Girl and it was slightly disappointing
That’s it! If you’ve read this far, I’m sending a large hug. Don’t forget to spread the word, share this post, and say hello! Until next week, Nicola x