When heading into August – one question you should be thinking is: "Which topics should I pitch the media?"

Whether you're a product-based business, service-based business or author/industry expert, it's important to understand media deadlines.

Major Magazines – 3-6 months in advance

Regional Magazines – 2-4 months in advance

National Television – 1-2 month is advance (sometimes longer)

Regional/Local Television – 4-6 weeks in advance

Online National – sometimes 2-3 months, sometimes 1-2 weeks

Blogs – 4-6 weeks (leave time for product review or guest posting)

Newspapers and Radio – work close to deadline, 1-2 weeks

This is why it's so important to pitch each outlet individually. If you are pitching a back to school topic, you are too late for major magazines like Family Circle and Parents.

An easy way to map out your PR efforts this month is to sit down and make a list on scrap paper or on your computer. Dedicate one column to "Long Lead" and one to "Short Lead."

Long Lead

Holiday 2010 Gift Guides

Tips/Tricks for the Holiday (related to decorating, organizing, health, fitness, beauty, fashion, family, etc)

New Year 2011 (appropriate tips or products)

Winter 2011 trends

Short Lead

Back to School (products, tips)

Halloween (tips on health, safety, costumes or products like candy, decorations, etc)

Fall Tips/Tricks (related to decorating, organizing, health, fitness, beauty, fashion, family, etc)