How Some PR Folks Are Ruining Their Reputations
If you are doing this, you are at risk too. But don't worry, I can help! Sending love from Asheville.
If you missed my last Substack compiling the latest industry trends and my stint with Seinfeld, then you can read it here.
Sucheta Rawal is a South Asian travel writer, columnist, author and speaker. She is a 3 time TEDx speaker and author of 5 'Beato Goes To' children's books. She has personally traveled to over 120 countries across 7 continents and speaks about her experiences from her firsthand perspective. She also founded the non-profit, Go Eat Give, to raise awareness of different cultures through travel, food and community service.
I have spent the past several days at a wellness retreat in Asheville, NC where I am going through the Panchkarma program. During this time, we reset our mind, body and spirit through a regulated diet, 90-mins of daily Ayurvedic treatments, plus yoga, meditation, and introspection. In my time here, I have realized that my vatta (form of being) is so high that I cannot sit still or allow myself to rest. Even when I have quiet time, I look for more things to do and lists to make. You can call it being driven but in the spiritual world, it’s an unhealthy balance which will eventually catch up with you and manifest itself in physical ailments. There are CEO’s and high achievers like myself here that are much older and facing the same nonstop stimulation and mental chatter. So I am glad to be addressing them early (right before another birthday, in fact).
A big thanks to Cass Santander from Visit Asheville for introducing me to SoHum Mountain Healing Resort. And I’m sharing the love 💕 Use code SUCHETAPK2025 when booking a Panchakarma retreat to get $500 off from your reservation.
Sending peace, love and light on this Valentine’s Day!
Recipe for Success
The timing of my retreat is perfect as I have been dealing with some challenging folks for the past few days. This may be a list of things not to do…or “worst practices.”
One PR person called me on my cell phone (big no-no) with a pitch about campgrounds (which I don’t write about) and followed up on all my social media channels with the same pitch (again not a good way to pitch), while knowing that I am on a wellness retreat (she is following me)! And when I sent her a response, here’s what she said:
So many PR folks I met at IMM followed up with a generic press release based on nothing we talked about. Nothing personalized, no specific story ideas, but expecting stories.
Destination PR that I have met twice, had great conversations with, crafted stories with, would be happy to work with me, as long as I can confirm coverage in advance of an unplanned media visit. Sorry, I cannot!
Two people invited me on individual media visits, with flights included, but can’t cover food. They are offering discounts and minuscule per diems. But they know that half of my writing is about food and they do want me to write about the food at their hotels and destinations. Thank you, but no thanks!
And others want to host, but don’t want to be included in round up stories. FYI Round up stories do really well and all the editors want them. They are more searched, SEO friendly, and have longer viewing lives.
I also heard from other writers - “Now, a lot of PR firms, with much younger people in leadership spots, invite 50 people to fill five spaces or meet with writers in person or by Zoom to sell the destination only to deny they even met you if you get back in touch with them for any kind of request for assistance.” I’ll keep her anonymous, but you get the idea.
Practices like these sour your relationship with the freelance writers, who are already juggling a lot of balls, and can’t spend so much time trying to convince you on why they should be allowed on a press trip, then pay for their own expenses, and finally, pitch and publish the stories (which is the bulk of the work for very little $$). The math does not add up.
Also, understand that we writers talk. We recommend our favorite people to work with and who to blacklist. With each action, your reputation is at stake, as well as ours because we are your bridge between your client and the publications.
You know there is a better way to do things. And if you don’t know the best way to pitch to a writer, just ask. I would be happy to do a coaching session for your team or your organization.
I offer comprehensive Masterclass for PR professionals…
If you are interested in organizing such informative panels, learning sessions, and masterclasses for your organization, please contact me.
Hear my interview with Britt Klontz on Digital PR Explained, where we break down one of the best pitches I have received—one that led to a published story. It wasn’t a press release. It wasn’t a mass email. It was personal, well-timed, and built on real engagement.
I am reserving my time for one-on-one phone and Zoom calls for my paid subscribers only. Please consider upgrading your subscription before asking to hop on a call. Thank you!
My Recently Published Stories:
Entrepreneurs That Give a Damn - Good Grit Magazine (Print)
A Space to Eat and Heal - Good Grit Magazine (Print)
Osteria Olio Takes You To Italy - Georgia Trend Magazine (Print)
Romancing With Food - Khabar Magazine (Print)
Is Your Turmeric Actually Benefitting Your Health? - HuffPost
New Culinary Highway in GA - Georgia Trend Magazine
This Small Indian State makes a big health impact - Khabar Magazine (Print)
Georgia’s Best Trips of 2025 - Explore Georgia (Print)
The World’s Best River Cruises - AAA
8 Destination You Can Only Reach on a Cruise - AAA
The Atlanta Safari Gave me a taste of Africa minus the price tag - Time Out
This was my first time stepping in a Federal Court and sitting next to the judge facing the audience. I spoke about my own journey as an immigrant coming to the U.S., what it means to me being an American citizen, and 5 things every citizen should do.
If you are interested in booking me to speak at any upcoming events near you, please check out my speaker profile to know more.
Call for Pitches
I am looking for unique and new story ideas on the following topics. If you need a refresher, please take a moment to read my past Substacks on pitching tips.
Surprising facts about nutrition.
Tech’s intersection with food - How does it affect our everyday lives?
Love in Sauna - Know anyone who dated, got married or found love at a sauna? What’s the most outrageous experience offered in a sauna eg. a concert (anywhere in the world)
Spas & hotels that are addressing the water crisis using innovative approaches.
Budget-friendly wellness hacks.
South Asian (Indian) food trends, products, books, people.
Dining in GA - stellar restaurants, culinary festivals, products, trends.
Philippines Travel - airlines, hotels, tours.
For my young audiences who are yet to explore the world…
I started writing ‘Beato Goes To’ children’s books to share stories about the kids I met in different countries who led unique lives. As seen through the eyes of my curious cat Beato these colorful picture books inspire kids to be curious, open minded and dream of traveling.
this was a great read. and thanks for speaking at federal court... i decided i needed to speak this week (though not in court), and on tuesday, i shared my story as an immigrant coming to the U.S. to a networking group of over 100 attendees. our stories matter more than ever!