MOON GODDESS said:
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