Among the recently announced keynote speakers for the ASJA 2024 Conference, former HARO users would have spotted a familiar name.
A serial entrepreneur and known to freelancers everywhere, Peter Shankman launched Source of Sources (SOS) earlier this year. Much like HARO, the new site helps journalists find sources and helps companies, nonprofits, and other sources get publicity. SOS fills the hole left when Cision, the global PR company, retired HARO earlier in 2024. Shankman started HARO in 2008 and sold it in 2010 to a company that Cision merged with in 2014.
Shankman previously spoke at ASJA’s annual conference in New York in 2010. His 2024 keynote takes place on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 25.
ASJA Confidential caught up with him for a quick Q&A.
What trends are the biggest threats – and opportunities – for freelancers, independent journalists, and nonfiction writers?
AI, Deep Fakes, and people’s inability to know the right way to be informed. Journalists have to be so much more than journalists – they need to be teachers and truth defenders – while remaining neutral and doing 10x more with 5x less. It’s not an easy gig. Never has been, but it’s even harder now.
What’s an aspect of the craft or business of writing you feel writers should pay more attention to?
The basics are still massively important. Craft a great story. Be brilliant at writing. Take readers on journeys. Develop relationships with your readers. Anticipate their needs.
What can writers expect to take away from your keynote?
Transparency still rules the day. I’m going to get on stage and simply tell stories. No powerpoint.
Lastly, what’s one of your current favorite books or podcasts on writing?
Anything by Ann Handley or Grammar Girl.
Hear what Peter has to say about AI, journalism, and more at the ASJA 2024 Conference. The 2024 conference takes place Sept. 24-26. ASJA’s signature client networking event, Client Connections 2024 – A Virtual Event!, takes place Sept. 26-27. Both events will be held online and are open to members and nonmembers. Find out more and register here.