I want to give a big thanks to everyone who submitted entries in the ‘Strangest Trade Magazine’ title contest. It was a tough, tough decision to pick a winner. Some of the titles were playful, such as Spudman for people working in the potato industry, and Sheep! for sheep farmers. Miniature Donkey Talk was right up there as a finalist, but in looking at the editorial content, I thought it was more geared to hobbyists and pet owners than professionals raising miniature donkeys as a business.

In the final analysis, I went with “Flow Control,” submitted by Baltimore-based freelance writer Ami Spencer. In her entry, Ami wrote that “Flow Control” serves process, manufacturing and engineering industries with the primary end products and services in Food & Beverage. “Sounds more like something you’ll find in the personal hygiene aisle, though,” she wrote. What I loved was that it demonstrates how narrow a niche a trade magazine can cover. And you just can’t beat the innuendo. I’ve made calls on behalf of many odd-sounding publications, but just can’t imagine myself saying, “Hi, I’m Pat Curry from Flow Control Magazine,” with a straight face.

Ami’s prize is a free premium version of my e-course on writing for trade magazines, which is a $240 value. As my way of saying thank you to those who submitted titles, everyone who entered is eligible for a 10 percent discount on either version of the course.

Thanks again, everyone.

Pat

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