Last Friday we met up with the lovely Amber Jackson, from the This Morning fashion team - see below for some great tips on how to get onto the show

1. What fashion stories do you have on the agenda at the moment, and which ones are you most excited about?

We are working of our Sex in The City ‘Get the style of..’ feature, I love the clothes in the SATC films and shows, so looking forward to doing out take on the girls individual styles. 

2. What advice would you give to PR’s pitching to you?  Should they call or email, and how often?

Emailing us on a Wednesday afternoon is probably the best bet as we have fashion on our show Tuesdays and Fridays and we only really plan a week ahead of ourselves. Emailing is best as we place the emails in a folder to remind us ho to call in

 3. What tips can you give for appointments?  How much product do you like to see, and what can the PR do to make an impression?

The best bits from a collection of items that sum up the brand are the best to see. On appointments its just nice to be able to put a face to a name and phone voice.

4. Is there anything you recommend PR’s avoid doing when pitching/attending appointments?

Probably talking too much about the brand like a script, its better to discuss the items and brands rather than being told what the are like.

5. How many emails do you get a day, and what percentage of those do you manage to open?

 I receive on average 75-100 emails a day, but I do manage to read all of them. Evens if  it just quickly, if its of interest or importance I’ll place it in a folder to follow up on.

6. What is your wish list accessory for this season?

A great bag! I struggle to find a really great bag, this season I’m looking for a great vintage style clutch to go with my summer looks

7.  What’s the best PR freebie gift you’ve ever received?

 Freebie are never expected but always a nice surprise. Vouchers are always great to receive as you can spend them as and when you wish, but once I received a gorgeous charm necklace which I loved.

8. Top press trip you’ve been on?

Dinner at Gaucho was a great night out with press, we ate drank and laughed!

9. What tips can you give PR’s on how to make a story catch your eye?

I’m not sure, for us its really just about weather the items are relevant enough for our story or web blog, as we can’t be seen to be favouring one brand in particular.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/02bc3cce-dedc-11dd-9464-000077b07658.html

1.What are you working on at the moment?

A mix of things. But a couple of pieces on rich and poor migrants to Britain is occupying me.

2.Best way for PRs to pitch by phone or email?

Email and perhaps a follow-up phone call.

 3.How many emails do you get a day?

Over 100

 4. What % do you roughly manage to read?

 About 40 per cent.

5. Any tips on what PR’s should avoid doing?

Yes. Make sure the product/service/person you are promoting is actually a fit with the journalist – so research their interests. In fact, make sure you have read the paper or magazine they write for before making contact. I am constantly amazed at how many people have no idea what the publication they are trying to pitch at is about. Don’t just send bland press releases, try to tease out a couple of potential angles that might be a fit with the writer. Keep press releases short.

4.Best invite you have ever received?

They’re good for different reasons – you never know what conversations you’ll end up having.

5. Best press day you have been to?

I try to avoid them.

6. What is your wish list accessory for this season?

No idea.

7. Best PR freebie gift . 

Flowers as I don’t have to hand them in to the FT Christmas raffle.

8. Top press trip.

I don’t take them.

9. Top tips how to make a story catch your eye

Short and snappy.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am working on the cover of the May/June issue of Healthy – each one has to be special so getting a crack team of photographer, stylist, talent (either model or celeb or chef) and hair and make-up in uppermost in my mind right now.

What is the best ways for PRs to pitch a story?

The best way for PR’s to pitch is definitely email first, I find telephone pitches irritating because you don’t have the information to hand

How many emails do you get a day and can you read them all?

I get approximately 80-100 emails a day.  I skim read everything except those that go straight in my junk mail, any copy I have to read I print out. I only spot errors in printed matter rather than that on screen.

Any tips on what PRs should avoid doing?

Pr’s shouldn’t call me – unless they are inviting me to a spa trip in New York/Rajastan/other!

Best invite you have ever received?

Best invites are usually travel related – a trip to Cuba and Jamaica was a particular favourite

Best press day you have attended?

Hmmmm….fraid they all segue into one

What is your wish list item for this season

Celine handbag, classic nude Louboutin courts

Best PR gift

- Chanel camelia corsage – Christmas pressie when I was beauty editor of Vogue circa 1995 and a gold Jimmy Choo evening clutch 2006

Top Press trip

Cuba/Jamaica(see above) – danced, drank, travelled and laughed….a lot!

Top tip to make a story catch your eye?

It has to be TAILORED…to my magazine. It’s hopeless when PR’s don’t know the product they are selling to. So, read the magazine and suggest a regular slot your story could fit into. Do your homework!

www.healthy-magazine.co.uk