Great sources make great stories. Every so often I need to reach beyond my usual list of contacts to find someone to interview. Instead of scouring the internet for potential contacts, I recently started using Help a Reporter Out–an online service that connects journalists with sources. You just have to fill out a quick query about the publication you’re writing for and your story. Then, HARO shoots a message out to its list of sources (the Web site says there are over 100,000), and you sit back and wait to see who responds. If you’re not on a tight deadline, it takes a day or two to start hearing from potential sources.

So, give it a try! It has worked for me. Journalists have a page just for them here. Potential sources can sign up at http://www.helpareporter.com/.