Our approach to ResponseSource Journalist Enquiry Service moderation can be summed up in the following question: ‘Is there a clear media opportunity for the subscriber?’. Subscribers use the service to gain coverage for their clients and this is the most important thing for us to consider when moderating the service. If you can keep this in mind when submitting enquiries it will help the system run more smoothly.

1. Be specific in your enquiry - this helps avoid vague or irrelevant replies. It often helps to specify information you don't want, or already have.
2. Name the publication - you'll get better results as it's crucial for PRs that they know who you are writing for.
3. Instructions for replying - for instance "please use the subject line 'ResponseSource - reply for XYZ feature'"
4. Get your enquiry in early - use a reasonable deadline that allows you time to fine-tune your request if you need to.
5. Play nicely - PRs are human too and will be more helpful if you're polite in your enquiry.
6. If your first enquiry doesn't generate the response you need you can send another, being more or less specific, as you wish and making it clear that you are resending. But avoid sending the same query too many times - if you aren't getting responses it's probably just something the PRs can't help with. Contact us if you're not sure or if you’re unhappy with the response to a particular enquiry.
7. Select categories carefully - succumbing to the temptation of selecting everything going is not likely to help your response. If you're looking for case studies for a women's magazine, pick Women's Interest and Beauty - PRs subscribing to that category will be expecting your enquiry and be much more able to help than those subscribing to Business & Finance or Construction & Property! Take a look at our guide to categories if you're having trouble choosing, or contact us.

Another benefit of a current subscription to ResponseSource Journalist Enquiry Service for PR professionals is the opportunity to send relevant requests to fellow PRs. The same principle applies as for journalists: Is there a clear media opportunity for your fellow subscribers? You can ask for the same input as journalists (for example, case studies for an article your client is featuring in, or celebrities or experts to participate in a campaign that might help their profile as well as your client). PRs may also ask for goody bag products and competition prizes for events, which can be a good opportunity for product promotion but you need to make the opportunity for publicity clear.

For goody bag and competition prize requests please provide the following:

1. Details of the coverage companies providing products can expect e.g. inclusion in press materials, associated websites/newsletters, social media coverage
2. Details of the audience that partners will reach. Journalists, bloggers, and other media attending your event, celebrities and other influencers, charities