The week before Anime USA 2012, I’m offering tips to convention journalists, press liaisons, and people aspiring to become either of those things, all based on my experiences. Here are some tips—plus a free download—to help you out.

Last year, I accepted 40-something people to become members of the press at Anime USA. This year, it was 100 on the dot, the absolute maximum I’m allowed to accept. What accounts for that jump? This year, it was simply that more people applied.

It’s in the best interest of every convention press liaison to have lots of members of the press at the convention. The more press, the more awesome coverage we get to show off afterward. The key is getting your foot in the door.

Here is what I look for when I am choosing whether or not to accept potential press members.

1) Apply early.

You can never apply too early for the convention. This year, I sent out an email in June to my 2011 press pool inviting them to apply again ASAP. That’s right, five months before the con. I actually started making my press list just a few weeks after the convention.

You can never apply too early but you CAN apply too late. My hands are tied when it comes to the 100-person press pool limit, and it’s first come, first serve. Plus, if you’re interested in interviewing our foreign guests, you’ll have to send in your questions to be translated weeks in advance. I’d rather have eager press outlets apply in December than October any day.

2) Have something to show for yourself.

More than a big name, I look for an indication that this reporter is dedicated. Whether you’re a professional journalist or a student reporter, the first part of your email that I’ll look at is the link to your website.

If the site looks well maintained and regularly updated, you’ve already hooked me. If it’s got one blog post or hasn’t been updated for months, I’m going to need more convincing. If you don’t have a blog or website, but do send examples of your previous coverage, that’s just as good. It helps let the press liaison know that you’re dedicated and plan to take the con seriously.

3) Have a plan.

As you may already know, a press pass is a free voucher into the convention. Members of the press get special privileges like getting to cut lines for events they’re planning to cover. Needless to say, press liaisons are aware that some people might want to take advantage of this. If you can provide a plan for how you’ll be spending time at the convention, that lets us know you’re not looking for a free ride.

It can be as simple as, “I’m planning to interview X guest for my podcast” or as complicated as, “I’m working on a documentary and plan to spend the weekend interviewing cosplayers.” I’m thinking of the end product, and this will definitely help.

4) Follow the rules.

As I wrote in three, a press badge is a pretty handy thing to have. You can skip lines, sit in the front of panels, take photos at musical events in the press pit, and gain access to one-on-one guest interviews which other attendees don’t know about. While it may be tempting to use these privileges for your own purposes, it’s just bad taste.

And while there may be 3,000 or so people at the convention, it’s pretty likely I’ll find out about whatever you do. Last year, I wrote a not-so-subtle letter to some badly behaving con reporters that I caught making my life difficult. Please don’t make my life difficult.

5) Follow up after the convention.

A free press pass isn’t exactly free. The convention is expecting something in return from you, and that’s your convention coverage. We use your reporting on convention events to promote Anime USA all year.

Most press liaisons—myself included—will send you an email a few weeks after the convention to remind you to send us your coverage. We know it takes a little bit of time to process your notes, video footages, and audio transcriptions. But even if it gets to us a month later, we’re happy to see how you made use of your time at the con. Heck, I’ll even share my favorites on my blog and give you some free publicity.

And finally, I’ve made you a sample letter you can use while applying for press at an anime convention. Download it here and thank me later!