Getting in the Book of Lists

Patricia Rogers, the research director of the Austin Business Journal, writes about how to get into one of the Book of Lists of an American City Business Journals paper.

Rogers writes, “I’ve been compiling lists for the Austin Business Journal since 1998. Starting with a database of companies and contacts that has been built over decades, new companies are constantly added from Web searches, when our reporters find new companies stories and by company requests. Then, throughout the year, I send electronic surveys to these companies to compile the data needed for each list.

“Here are six tips to ensure your company is accurately represented on our lists:

“1. Get from me ABJ’s 2013 editorial calendar. This tells you what lists are running throughout the year — and when. It also lays out the special sections and events we’ll do in 2013.

“2. Talk to me. What lists does your company wants to be surveyed for? Who will be my contact person? Links to the survey are emailed to the contact person 4-6 weeks before the publication date shown on the calendar.”

Read more here.