Do I need to contact a company before I pitch a profile to the local newspaper?

I'm a freelance writer and recently interviewed a few people for a piece which ran today. Two of them were unhappy with the outcome. Now what?

I am a writer new to western Washington. I am short on experience but long on skill and drive. In the coming months, I shall complete my English education. But I need work now!

Where can I find sales figures for novels (new and/or classic)? I am aware of Bookscan and Publisher's Lunch, but those are very expensive.

I recently left my comfortable position in a safe, nonprofit enclave to try the big bad corporate world and see if I could make a go of it. Three months in, the fit is pretty lousy. Ah, but I think I know what I really want to do. And yet, should I give the new place more time to see if things improve?