Episode Summary
In this episode, Britt is joined by freelance writer and editor Daria Smith for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how a real PR pitch went from an initial press trip invite to a story that ultimately ran in Garden & Gun.
What makes this episode different is that Daria agreed to share the actual emails behind the pitch. As you listen, you can read the same messages Daria received and hear her explain what stood out, what didn’t land, and why reframing the angle made all the difference.
This is a practical, honest breakdown of how journalists evaluate pitches, how freelancers sell stories to editors, and why persistence paired with flexibility matters more than a “perfect” first email.
The Emails We Break Down in This Episode
Email 1: The Press Trip Invite (September 10, 2024)
Context:
This was the first outreach Daria received. In the episode, she explains why this email caught her attention and how personal references and clear framing helped it stand out.
The email below was sent to Daria by Liz Eads at Diamond PR on September 10, 2024:
Subject: Press Trip | The Newly Minted Barnsley Resort
Hi Daria,
I was chatting with my colleague Kirra about Barnsley Resort and she recommended that we touch base with you since you swung by the resort’s booth at SEWE earlier this year and expressed interest in the resort. Kirra’s currently traveling in Italy (I’m jealous!) though she wanted me to share that she says hello.
We have a press trip coming up to the resort from October 24 – 27, so I wanted to see if that’s something you’d be interested in and chat through some possible editorial angles if so. This is a particularly exciting press trip since you’ll be among the very first media to get a look at the ongoing and upcoming renovations. All 39 cottages are undergoing a top-to-bottom redesign (you’d be staying in one of the just-completed cottages) plus, there are major changes/upgrades to the al fresco Beer Garden restaurant and enhancements to other recreational experiences. You’ll get to check all of these out, while also experiencing the long-time favorite activities and resort traditions, including time at the on-site spa, a bit of adventure with clays shooting and horseback riding, some indulgence with roasting s’mores over an open fire pit and garden-to-table dining, bourbon tasting and much more.
Plus, the October press trip is anchored around one of the resort’s signature annual events – Swine & Wine. Nashville’s award-winning pitmaster Peg Leg Porker hosts a specialty barbeque event at the resort with a snout-to-tail pig roast with wine pairing.
Since you’d be getting a taste of the resort’s cherished experiences and a look at what’s new and what’s to come, we’ve titled the trip ‘Traditions and New
Is this something that you’d be interested in chatting about further? If so, I’d love to discuss some opportunities with Charleston Living and your other pubs.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Liz
Email 2: The Exclusive Pitch That Didn’t Move Forward (October 2, 2024)
Context:
After the press trip invite, Daria sent the pitch below to Garden & Gun. Daria explains why the idea itself was strong, but why it ultimately couldn’t move forward. Ultimately, Daria’s pitch was declined, as Barnsley had done a paid sponsored newsletter.
Subject: Pitch: Exclusive First Look at Barnsley Resort’s Renovations and Helice Shooting Experience
I know Garden & Gun enjoys being the first to break news on new hotels and updates, and I’d like to offer an exclusive first look at Barnsley Resort’s newest renovations and the introduction of Helice shooting—an exciting, fast-paced sport with deep roots in European hunting traditions.
The resort is undergoing a transformation, with all 39 cottages redesigned by Charlotte Lucas Design to embody a modern take on classic Southern hospitality. Along with the addition of a new Beer Garden and six pickleball courts, Barnsley has made a notable enhancement to its Beretta Shooting Grounds. Among the upgrades is the introduction of Helice shooting, a sport unlike any other in the region.
Helice, which originated in Europe in the 1960s as a humane alternative to live pigeon shooting, offers a unique challenge for marksmen. The sport is named after the spinning, gyroscopic targets—known as ZZ birds—that are launched unpredictably into the air, simulating the erratic flight of live birds. The targets are made of two plastic components: a witness cap and propeller. When struck, the cap detaches, signaling a successful hit. This unpredictable flight path requires quick reflexes and precision, making Helice one of the most challenging forms of shotgun sport available.
The history of Helice is fascinating, with its roots in European pigeon clubs that transitioned to the sport after live bird shooting was banned. Two Italian brothers originally designed the targets to mimic the fast, erratic movement of birds, creating a high-speed challenge for hunters and sportsmen. By the 1980s, Helice had made its way to the U.S., though it remains a rare offering at shooting grounds today.
Barnsley Resort is now one of the few places in the country where guests can test their skills with this exhilarating sport, adding a unique draw for visitors seeking more than the typical clay shooting experience. Helice complements Barnsley’s existing offerings, like their annual Swine & Wine event, hosted by Pitmaster Carey Bringle, creating a perfect blend of sporting and culinary traditions.
I believe Garden & Gun readers would enjoy a deep dive into both Helice’s history and Barnsley Resort’s evolution as a destination. Would you be interested in an exclusive feature on this rare sport and the exciting new experiences at Barnsley?
Exclusivity and timeline expectations: If you’d like to cover this, please let me know by Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Best,
Daria
Email 3: The Reframed Pitch That Became a Published Feature (October 16, 2024)
Context:
This is the version of the pitch that ultimately worked. Instead of focusing on a single property, the story was reframed as a broader reported piece. This pitch was assigned on November 19, 2024, and later published as: Seven Southern Sporting Estates Where You Can Shoot Helice | Garden & Gun
Subject: Seven Southern Sporting Estates to Shoot Helice
For the Seven Southern series, I propose an article on seven distinctive Southern sporting estates where enthusiasts can take on the unique challenge of shooting Helice.
Helice, developed in Europe in the 1960s as a humane alternative to live pigeon shooting, provides a thrilling test of skill for marksmen. The sport’s unpredictable, gyroscopic targets—known as ZZ birds—are launched into the air to mimic the erratic flight of live birds. Each target consists of a witness cap and propeller, which, when struck, detaches to signal a successful shot. The fast, twisting flight path requires quick reflexes and precision, making Helice one of the most challenging shotgun sports.
The roots of Helice are captivating, stretching back to European pigeon clubs that shifted to this dynamic sport after live bird shooting was banned. Designed by two Italian brothers, these targets offer a high-speed, demanding challenge that has drawn hunters and sportsmen for decades. Though Helice made its way to the U.S. by the 1980s, it remains a rare offering at American shooting grounds. Here’s a look at seven Southern sporting estates where readers can experience this distinctive sport amid the region’s most picturesque landscapes:
- Barnsley Resort – Adairsville, Georgia
With its scenic grounds and luxurious accommodations, Barnsley Resort’s Beretta Shooting Grounds feature a premier Helice range. Visitors can enjoy golf, spa treatments, and fine dining, making for an all-encompassing retreat. - Joshua Creek Ranch – Boerne, Texas
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Joshua Creek Ranch pairs a luxurious lodge setting with diverse shooting sports, including Helice. The resort also offers guided hunts, fly fishing, and gourmet dining to round out the experience. - Covey Rise Lodge – Husser, Louisiana
Covey Rise Lodge captures the essence of Southern hospitality with its Helice field, hunting grounds, and cozy accommodations. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of shooting sports and rustic charm. - Selwood Farm – Alpine, Alabama
A boutique hunting preserve, Selwood Farm offers luxury accommodations and exceptional outdoor adventures. As home to Alabama’s only Helice ring, it caters to both seasoned marksmen and novices, with guided quail and pheasant hunts. - Prairie Wildlife – West Point, Mississippi
Prairie Wildlife boasts a USHA-sanctioned Helice field for a challenging clay shooting experience. As the only Orvis-endorsed sporting estate in the area, it provides premier hunts for quail, dove, pheasant, and more in the scenic Black Prairie. - Broxton Bridge – Ehrhardt, South Carolina
Nestled along the Salkehatchie River, Broxton Bridge offers a modern Helice range and a 15-station sporting clays course. With amenities like RV hookups, horse corrals, and a nearby airstrip, it’s a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and event-goers alike. - Providence Hill – Jackson, Mississippi
Spanning over 1,200 acres, Providence Hill offers a premier sporting experience with its renowned Helice range. Guests can immerse themselves in Mississippi’s wild beauty while enjoying top-tier clay shooting, fishing, and seasonal quail hunting.
This feature will highlight the best of Southern sporting life, offering readers an inside look at estates where tradition meets adventure, and Helice shooting takes center stage.
Exclusivity and timeline expectations: If you’d like to cover this, please let me know by Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Key Takeaways for PR Pros
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Your first pitch isn’t always the final version of the story
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Writers often need to visualize the angle before committing to coverage or travel
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Reframing a pitch can unlock opportunities that didn’t exist initially
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Understanding an outlet’s structure (columns, series, formats) matters more than over-selling a brand
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Persistence works best when paired with adaptability
About the Guest
Daria Smith is a freelance writer and editor covering life below the Mason-Dixon line, with a focus on Southern food, travel, sporting culture, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her work has appeared in Garden & Gun, Charleston Magazine, Charleston Living, Scuttlebutt Southeast, and more.
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