Research, records, and communications support for campaigns, newsrooms, nonprofits, and community advocates in Maryland.
MDBayNews is more than a news site—we also provide behind-the-scenes support for people and organizations who need clear, accurate public records and professional messaging.
We offer a limited number of fee-based services to help sustain independent journalism while keeping our reporting free to readers.
Important: MDBayNews does not provide legal advice and is not a law firm. Our services are journalistic and communications-focused.
1. Public Records & FOIA/PIA Request Drafting
Maryland’s Public Information Act (PIA) and other public records laws can be confusing and time-consuming. We help you ask for the right records, from the right agencies, in the right way.
What we can help with
- Identifying which agencies are likely to hold the records you need
- Drafting PIA/FOIA-style requests that are clear, targeted, and specific
- Suggesting language to narrow scope and reduce denial/excessive fee risk
- Structuring follow-up letters (clarifications, fee waivers, appeals language)
- Formatting requests for email, mail, or online portals
Who this is for
- Political campaigns and candidates
- Journalists and independent investigators
- Nonprofits and advocacy groups
- Community members seeking transparency on local issues
Sample packages
- Single Records Request Draft
- One custom request to a single agency
- Includes one round of light revisions
- Suggested rate: $75–$125
- Records Strategy Session + Drafting
- 45-minute consult (Zoom/phone) to map targets and strategy
- Drafts for up to 3 coordinated requests
- Template follow-up language (appeals/fee issues)
- Suggested rate: $225–$300
- Campaign / Organization Records Bundle
- Ongoing records support across a campaign or project
- Custom pricing based on scope (monthly or per-project retainer)
All drafts are provided as editable text so you can send them directly under your own name or organization.
2. Press Release Writing & Media Formatting
Clear, concise releases help your story reach the people who need to see it. We offer press release drafting and formatting with a journalist’s eye for what makes newsrooms pay attention.
What we can help with
- Drafting press releases from scratch based on your key points
- Editing and tightening existing drafts
- Writing headlines, subheads, and pull quotes
- Structuring releases for email and web posting
- Formatting for publication in the MDBayNews Press Room (if desired and appropriate)
Types of releases
- Campaign announcements & endorsements
- Policy or legislation launches
- Public statements & open letters
- Event announcements
- Report or investigation releases
Sample packages
- Press Release Draft (from scratch)
- 1 interview or intake (email or 20-minute call)
- 1 full draft + 1 revision round
- Delivery in both Word and plain text
- Suggested rate: $125–$175
- Press Release Edit & Polish
- You send an existing draft
- We tighten language, structure, and clarity
- 1 revision round
- Suggested rate: $75–$100
- Release + MDBayNews Posting (Press Room)
- Includes either “Draft” or “Edit & Polish”
- Formatting and publication in MDBayNews Press Room section
- Clearly labeled as “Submitted Press Release”
- Add: $75 posting fee
Publication of any release on MDBayNews is at our editorial discretion and must comply with our standards and policies.
Additional Services
- Candidate Services
How It Works
- Contact Us
Email services@mdbaynews.com(placeholder – update to your real address) with:- Your name and organization
- Type of service you’re interested in
- Any deadlines or target dates
- Scope & Quote
We’ll confirm the scope of work, timeline, and a flat-fee quote before starting. - Intake & Drafting
We gather background information (documents, links, talking points) and begin drafting. - Review & Revisions
You receive a draft for review and can request corrections or small revisions within the agreed scope. - Delivery
Final copy is delivered in clean, ready-to-use formats. For Press Room publication, we will also confirm labeling and disclosures.
Sliding Scale & Mission-Aligned Work
For certain public-interest projects—especially those involving transparency, civil rights, disability rights, or child and family justice—we may offer reduced-rate or sliding-scale work, as capacity allows.
If cost is a barrier, please mention this in your initial email and briefly describe the project. We cannot accommodate every request, but we will review each one in good faith.
Ready to Get Started?
For quotes, availability, or questions about whether your project is a good fit, contact:
Email: services@mdbaynews.com
Subject Line: Services Inquiry – [FOIA / Press Release / Other]
We look forward to helping you tell your story and access the information you need—while keeping independent Maryland journalism alive and accessible.