Etiquette for HARO

black ink · Nov 19, 2008

I sent out a query and I've gotten a lot of replies. For those sources I don't pursue, for whatever reason, should I still send a quick "thanks for responding" email?

I mean, I know "thank you" is always welcome, but is it expected in this kind of exchange? Just wondering what the norm is. Thanks

Skyraven · Nov 19, 2008

yes. Always send a thank you because you don't want to burn bridges in case you might need them in the future.

Good luck.

Laurie PK · Nov 19, 2008

I indicate in my request that I can only contact those I can pursue, because it can be quite time-consuming to reply to everyone! Plus, I've found that people email me back and ask how they can help, and then if I have to email them back again....it's just easier to say straightaway that I'll email those I can "use."

CatMuse33 · Nov 19, 2008

Ditto what Heiddi said. They could be valuable resources for next time. (Doesn't hurt to mention that in your thank you e-mail, too.) And a thank you may not be "expected" but I don't know of anyone who gets annoyed by a thank you e-mail showing up in their inbox. It will be appreciated.

Dawn

SouthernFriedJulie · Nov 19, 2008

I've answered quite a few and out of all of them, I've only gotten one 'thank you but I am 'full' responses. I thought that person was very polite and will be sure to be there if she emails me with a question

Karen Zara · Nov 20, 2008

I started using HARO this week. I've sent three queries and received several replies. So far, I haven't left a single message unanswered. But then again, I'm working on several projects right now. As a result, even when I get an apparently undesired response I email the sender back. Like Heiddi and Dawn said, I may need them in the future.

On the other hand, I can see where Laurie is coming from. I do recommend that you clearly state in your query that you may not get back to everyone, in case you don't think you'll have the time (or interest) to do it.

Cleopatra Jones · Nov 20, 2008

I'm curious - what's HARO?

Karen Zara · Nov 20, 2008

Cleopatra Jones said:
I'm curious - what's HARO?

HARO stands for Help a Reporter Out: http://www.helpareporter.com/. It's a great place to find interview subjects.

If you plan to use it, I recommend that you subscribe as a source and read some queries before you compose and send your own.

You should definitely try it. It's a wonderful resource for writers.

black ink · Nov 20, 2008

Thanks everyone. I thanked all of those that responded and most sent back and email wishing me luck and offering their services for next time, so that was nice.

Karen Zara said:
If you plan to use it, I recommend that you subscribe as a source and read some queries before you compose and send your own.

Hmm . . . I didn't do this. Now, I wonder if I sounded like a total amateur, which I am.

Cleopatra Jones · Nov 20, 2008

Wow - that sounds great! I definitely have to check it out! Thanks for responding.

Karen Zara · Nov 20, 2008

black ink said:
Hmm . . . I didn't do this. Now, I wonder if I sounded like a total amateur, which I am.

No, no. Sorry if I made you feel like that. It wasn't my intention, really.

I recommended that because it's a good way to familiarise yourself with the whole HARO environment.

I wanted to know how other writers used to compose their queries, so I'd increase my chances of getting it right. This is why I became a subscriber before sending out my own interview requests. Besides, I believe all of us can be sources too.

Cleopatra Jones said:
Thanks for responding.

You're welcome.

black ink · Nov 20, 2008

Oh no, Karen! I wasn't offended at all! I was being silly (but obviously, not very clear about that)! I think your suggestion is fabulous. As a matter of fact, I just went and signed up. Thanks!

novelette · Nov 20, 2008

Thanks for this info. I've only used ProfNet. When I've used it, though, I always sent a thank you to everyone who responded and most of them let me know I was free to contact them in the future. I usually put those e-mail addresses in a separate folder for sources and go back to them when needed. This way, so long as the subject is the same, I don't have to do a brand new query each time.

Etiquette for HARO

black ink

Skyraven

What happened to my LIFE?!

Laurie PK

Fulltime blogger & freelance writer

CatMuse33

Just hitting send

SouthernFriedJulie

Hidin' the bodies

Karen Zara

Cleopatra Jones

Karen Zara

black ink

Cleopatra Jones

Karen Zara

black ink

novelette