Curious about Quotes

[MOON GODDESS]

Where do people get interesting quotes for articles they want to do, if they don't know a direct source? I have an article I want to do, but haven't queried anyone about it yet.
I checked on the online "expert" sites, but no luck.
Would it be presumptuous of me to contact someone who was quoted in a newspaper article or on the web, if I don't know them? Please advise and thanks.

[Kristen King]

Where do people get interesting quotes for articles they want to do, if they don't know a direct source? I have an article I want to do, but haven't queried anyone about it yet.
I checked on the online "expert" sites, but no luck.
Would it be presumptuous of me to contact someone who was quoted in a newspaper article or on the web, if I don't know them? Please advise and thanks.

I contact strangers all the time for quotes, and it's totally fine. Just think how boring all articles would be if the writers talked only to people they know personally!

Once you identify appropriate sources, call or e-mail them and say something like, "My name is MOONGODDESS and I'm a freelance writer working on a story about _______. I was wondering if you might have a few minutes to talk with me about _______." They'll say, "No," "Sure, how's now?" or "Sure, but how about Tuesday?" and then you just go from there.

If you're contacting someone because another writer quoted them, it would be a great idea to mention that you saw that they said yadda-yadda-yadda about XYZ in such-and-such a publication and ask them to elaborate or ask a related question or whatever. Also, ask them if they can recommend anyone else you should contact about this topic, and check to see if you can mention that they referred you when you contact that person.

Hope that helps!

Kristen

[Tish Davidson]

The media relations department of almost all businesses and places like hospitals, universities, non-profits and governmental agencies will help you set up interviews with experts on their staffs. That's part of their job. Just call the switchboard, ask for the media relations or public relations department and tell them who you are and the story you are working on. Just be sure you've done your homework and know the kind of person you need and that you've done enough backgroune research not to waste their time with stupid and obvious quesstions. I've also had success when working on stories about bankruptcy or medical conditions calling specialist lawyers or doctors and asking them if they would give my phone number to any of their clients/patients who would be willing to talk to me. That way, the lawyer/doctor doesn't break the cleint/patient's confidentiality by talking about the, A surprising number of people are willing to tell their stories.

[acousticgroupie]

i use strangers all the time:)
profnet.com helps, too!

[MOON GODDESS]

Thanks, everyone. I felt dumb, not knowing for sure, but I knew I could count on the people here for great advice.
Thanks, again.

[Kristen King]

No need to feel dumb. If we all knew everything, there'd be no point in coming here. :]

Kristen

[Doctor Shifty]

No need to feel dumb. If we all knew everything, there'd be no point in coming here. :]

Kristen

You mean I didn't need to be coming here after all?
Wow, do I suddenly feel dumb! :)

[Kristen King]

You mean I didn't need to be coming here after all?
Wow, do I suddenly feel dumb! :)

No, no, you're the exception. We NEED you. ;]

Kristen