BDG Commerce Writer and Journalist Jessica Booth on Pitching Products and the World of Commerce

Pitchin' and Sippin' with Lexie Smith

In this episode, Lexie Smith sits down with Jessica Booth, a freelance writer, former editor and a Commerce Writer for leading global media company BDG. She has written for a wide variety of outlets, including Refinery 29, Bustle, Elite Daily, Parents, Brides, What To Expect, The Knot, People, The Bump, Reviewed, The Daily Beast, Forbes, Insider, Cosmopolitan, She Knows, Romper, and Food & Wine. Jessica covers tons of different topics, but specializes in parenting and commerce writing.

In this episode, Jessica delves into the intricacies of commerce writing, detailing her journey from editorial assistant to managing editor and now a key player in BDG’s dedicated commerce team. She explains how commerce writing often revolves around assignments rather than pitches and discusses the distinct roles of assignment-based and freelance commerce writing.

Jessica also shares insightful tips on what makes a pitch stand out, emphasizing the importance of clear, concise communication and relevant product information. She breaks down her process for evaluating products, highlighting the significance of personal experience and customer reviews. As the discussion turns to the impact of AI on journalism, Jessica expresses her concerns while also acknowledging the potential benefits. Whether you're a publicist looking to refine your pitch strategy or a journalist navigating the evolving media landscape, this episode offers valuable perspectives on pitching and product evaluation in commerce.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Details about Jessica's extensive career from her beginnings as an intern at Redbook to her role as a freelance commerce writer for BDG and other prominent outlets.
• The nuances of commerce writing, including how Jessica manages assignments for different brands under BDG and the specific focus areas of her work.
• The difference between freelance commerce writing and in-house roles, including how product pitches are handled in each context.
• Insights into what makes a successful product pitch, including the importance of getting straight to the point and providing essential assets like product links and images.
• How assignments work in the commerce writing field, from how Jessica receives them to the creative liberties allowed in her roles.
• How holiday gift guide pitches are managed
• Jessica’s perspective on the potential impact of AI on the commerce writing industry and its effects on jobs and the writing process.
• Jessica’s preferences for receiving product pitches, including the type of information she values and how she likes to be approached
• How Jessica sources and evaluates products for inclusion in her articles
• How to connect with Jessica Booth for media and PR inquiries

Listener Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jboothyy
• Twitter: https://x.com/JBoothyy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabooth1031/

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• Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/

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