PR Tidbits :10 Easy Steps to Writing a Press Release
STEP 1: Determine your focus and the subject of your press release.
STEP 2: Make sure your press release is short and to the point. No more than 500 words, 3-5 paragraphs or one page.
STEP 3: On company letterhead, print the words "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" in the top left-hand margin in all caps. Follow this line with your contact information to include name, title, phone number and e-mail address.
STEP 4: Create a headline and center it in bold type just above the first line of the body of the press release. Headlines typically highlight the most important, significant or shocking fact in the release. This is optional but you may also create a sub-headline and centered and italicized under the main heading to further elaborate another important point in your press release. For Example:
Urban Filmmakers Workshop Tour Returns to Seven Cities
Case Study of Film Highlights and Harsh Realities of Making an Urban Film Independently
STEP 5: Create a dateline - the first line of the body of your press release -that includes the city where the release is generated and the date (i.e. Atlanta, Ga. - January 1, 2006).
STEP 6: Your lead or first paragraph should include some tantalizing details or attention-grabbing facts to spark curiosity while mentioning the where, when, why, what and who.
STEP 7: Use the second or body paragraph to describe your cause with more detail.
STEP 8: Wrap up the last paragraph with a "for additional information" line, a place to find more details. An annual report or a Web site can be great sources of information.
STEP 9: When ending the press release, center these marks, "# # #,""END," or "-30-" at the bottom of the page.
STEP 10: If you are sending your press release snail mail, print it on high quality paper using a good laser or inkjet printer. You only get one chance to make a solid first impression.
Tips & Warnings
-- Press releases are written in block style/full justified, so no paragraph indentation is necessary.
-- Have an objective person read your press release and tell you whether he or she would be interested enough to read a newspaper story about it. If not, consider going back to the drawing board for a rewrite.
-- Hire a professional photographer to cover your event so you can include relevant photos with your release. Many newspapers and local magazines appreciate not having to send out a photographer. Send your press release to the reporter that covers the area you are targeting instead of a managing or senior editor. Often, this will turn into a story much faster.
-- Keep the tone of your release all business and be sure to proofread and spell check.
Following are a few online newswire services that will distribute your press releases to a host of media outlets for free or a minimal fee. Investigate each source to be sure the service distributes to your targeted media outlets.
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