How NOT to Write a Post-NYCC Email

You may know that I do the podcast COMIC NEWS INSIDER and that New York Comic Con was a couple of weeks ago. We had a table at the show and met tons of great people! And as usual, so many people came over to pitch their wares in hopes that we'd help promote as we are press. Often, I was away from the table doing interviews and what not and missed out on meeting people. Still, my booth helpers chatted with people, took their cards/comics and gave them to me. I have checked out a lot and been in touch with a few. And wisely, some have followed up with me and reached out. However, I got this email recently (names withheld as I am not trying to embarrass, but help): 

"Hello, It was good to meet you at the show. I hope we can work together to help promote each other."

No reminder of whom they are or their work besides a link to their website and their name at the bottom of the email. Completely cold, impersonal, not detailed and clearly a mass email to several others. And the "promote each other" line just doesn't sit well with me. Not to get all big headed, but it seems like they would need us more to promote than we need them. I get that maybe they were going for a "help us and we'll help you" but just be straight forward and promote your stuff. Let us worry about if we need a little quid pro quo. 

It's astonishing how many of these types of emails I get. I understand that a lot of these people are new to this and don't understand how to reach out. But I think common sense would dictate some of the things I mentioned doing above. I'm no expert on how to do this, but from doing the podcast for the past 7 years, I've gained a bit of knowledge on it. 

My best advice is to be detailed (not overly) and friendly and to the point. If it's a follow up, remind people of how you met or were initially in contact. Mention the conversation you had. Something to make it personal but again, not overly personal. Remember that you are trying to promote your work and that you want the person you contact to help with that! 

Or just throw in $100 and I'll promote anything. 

#PromoWhore