How I Got to Speak to (and Pitch) a Top TV Producer

Are you curious about how I got to speak—and pitch—to a producer at one of the biggest TV shows in the country?

My story begins in an unlikely place. Wednesday, I shared how I came to the conclusion that TV just wasn’t my thing. Maybe you found yourself nodding in agreement?

It certainly didn’t feel like my thing when I memorized 8 creative mood boosters people can use during a pandemic.

I mean, it was interesting. Researching the mood boosters proved enlightening and fun. I did okay. But okay is not exactly super-inspiring.

It felt like too much memorization. I just wasn’t coming from my core wisdom, from my deepest well of creativity. I wasn’t in alignment.

What Changed to Make Me Comfortable with TV

Reading with Robin
Robin Kall of Reading with Robin Interviewed me on Instagram on launch day where we chatted about creativity, journaling and how to tap into our creative source.

In the interim between my deciding not to pitch TV and September 22 when my book finally launched, I realized how much I loved talking about creativity and journaling on podcasts. I loved teaching people to tap into their creative source in my Get Your Writing Done program. I was back to my “zone of genius,” as Gay Hendricks would say.

Maybe I was just pitching the wrong story? Or maybe I just wasn’t ready for TV.

After my launch, over time, something inside me began to shift. The more I shared my passion for journaling specifically (vs. creativity more broadly), the more I found my message.

On his podcast, Ian Garlic shared how The Joy of Writing Journal stimulated his creativity when he produced marketing copy, scripts and other writing.

In being interviewed specifically about journaling and how it can stimulate our creativity and enhance our writing, marketing and other creative projects, I discovered the deeper source of my passion.

Chatting with podcasters—like book maven Robin Kall, creativity coach Sharon Burton, entrepreneur Josh Stiemle and marketing guru Ian Garlic—about journaling, helped me get super clear about the wisdom I had to offer on the subject.

I suddenly felt aligned.

What Happens When You Align

You know what happens when we’re aligned, right? Opportunities come to us.

Podcast guest
I enjoyed being featured for the inaugural interview on Sharon Burton’s Podcast series where we chatted and shared insights about “Creating Through Uncertain Times”

You do the work. You show up. Align with your gifts in a powerful way and things come your way without your having to do a whole lot of work.

I Imagine you’ve experienced that too, from time to time.

That’s what it felt like. I was ready for TV, but I didn’t know it yet.

The Email That Got Me in Front of a Top National TV Producer

Each time Chris Winfield and Jen Gottlieb open the doors to their Be on TV Bootcamp, I spread the word enthusiastically. In fact, I became a paid affiliate for their program — something I don’t do for many people or programs — because I believe so strongly in their methods—and I’ve seen the results first hand.

But I’m busy. Yeah, I knew the program was coming up and we would promote it. And yeah, they have those trainings for their affiliate partners. But who has time to attend yet another training to be told how to market a program? Couldn’t I just write my own email based upon my great experience—and those of my clients?

Well, my appointments that Wednesday moved and I happened to open an email saying, “Today is that magical day” and I realized they were starting in 10 Minutes! Maybe my appointments shifted for a reason. Chris and Jen have great energy and I always learn something from them. Why not hop on the call and see what they have to share?

I had no idea what I was in for. These passionate superstars had lined up an incredible half day of training that had more to do with creating a powerful, transformational and informative training for us to help us in our businesses than it was to promote their work.

Neil Patel
Marketing and Brand Expert Neil Patel

We enjoyed a half hour of asking our burning questions of marketing, SEO and branding guru Neil Patel, a half hour with a producer from on the of the biggest national TV shows on the air, and similar Q&As with Actress/Singer/Comedienne/Influencer B. Simone and host of the top 100 ranked podcast, The Good life Project, Jonathan Fields. And then, after all that, Chris and Jen took us behind the scenes of their own success.

I Just Raised My Hand on Zoom

I sent a few emails to clear my calendar for the rest of the afternoon into the early evening. And I soaked up the lessons from these experts. I normally don’t have a great deal of bandwidth for free trainings but this was invaluable.

The producer shared the hot themes for 2022 and what she wanted to see in a pitch. When she offered to answer questions, my hand (icon) shot up. I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to ask but a chance to speak with a top TV producer doesn’t come along every day.

You likely know that, in general, any pitch is not about the book, but in this case, I figured everybody and their sister are talking about the benefits of journaling. I wanted to talk about journaling in a new way, call it, “the new face of journaling,” if you will.

Should I, in fact, speak about the unique and rich journaling experience I offer my readers? Should I even begin my pitch with that? Or was it too book-focused?

The Joy of Writing Journal: Spark Your Creativity in 8 Minutes a Day

I described to the producer how the QR codes in The Joy of Writing Journal help readers/journalers to connect with inspiration, get past the blank page, experience my coaching, passion and enthusiasm, experience their own inner creative source through several audio meditations, and also connect with other journalers/writers through the many videos the QR codes connect to. In this way, during an isolating pandemic, readers can get a rich and engaging experience that goes beyond the typical journal.

She loved the idea and told me to start with the QR codes. I asked if I could send her a pitch and she said, “Yes!”

Getting Pitch Support

While it’s true that Chris and Jen teach you to pitch yourself, I knew I could use some professional insights. So I contacted my awards consultant, Melissa Sones, who drafted a pitch for me that I sent off the next week.

Now, I’m waiting to hear. And I know Melissa will give me advice on how to follow up if needed.

What Can Be on TV Bootcamp Do For You?

What I want to share with you is this:

Jen Gotlieb and Chris Winfield, creators of Be on TV Bootcamp
  • Where else can you get access to producers of top TV shows?
  • Where can you get training so you feel—and are—prepared to Be on TV?

Chris and Jen are two very special super-connected people who delight in creating opportunities for regular folks like you and me.

And for just $17 you can get into their 5-Day Be on TV Bootcamp and receive invaluable training, experiences and access to experts to gain the confidence, knowledge and skills to be on your way to TV appearances.

As an affiliate for their program, I earn a commission if you sign up for the programs through my link. I do this only rarely, when I know that a program is extraordinary and especially valuable to authors and aspiring authors in my community, like you.

I’ve seen how Be on TV Bootcamp has worked for me, my clients and fellow participants. I’ve never seen such extraordinary value and support offered in any other introductory program anywhere. And for a mere $17! Go, register now! I’d love to see and hear what this program does for you!

I feel absolutely thrilled to share this opportunity with you today. If you have questions, please email me and I’ll be happy to share my answers with you.

Lisa Tener

Lisa Tener is an award-winning book writing coach who assists writers in all aspects of the writing process—from writing a book proposal and getting published to finding one’s creative voice. Her clients have appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CBS Early Show, The Montel Williams Show, CNN, Fox News, New Morning and much more. They blog on sites like The Huffington Post, Psychology Today and WebMD.
Indie published Joy of Writing Journal.

Get Lisa's Award-Winning Book

The Joy of Writing Journal:

Spark Your Creativity in 8 Minutes a Day

Winner of the Silver Nautilus Book Award & IPPY Award

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