Press Release

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kay Elizabeth on November 3, 2009 at 3:58am

Good post, Sandra. Turnaround time does vary with some being a lot faster than others. When you get that for free, you can't complain really though! :)

Here's a list of free PR distribution sites.

What needs to be remembered when writing a press release: the editors that these distribution sites send it to will view the press release from a "what's in it for me?" angle. If your press release is closer to a long self serving advertisement than something newsworthy with an interesting angle or that ties in with current events, it won't get much further than the editor's desk. Present them with a good read as well as information and in the proper format.

Permalink Reply by Sandra Kitchen on November 3, 2009 at 4:09am

You are right Kay, one of the things that should be done before writing a press release is to research how to write one properly. It should be interesting information, not only advertising.

One of the things about a press release, while they are an advertisement of sorts, they are written in the third person.

Permalink Reply by scribbler on November 11, 2009 at 11:46pm

This is a good thread! :) Another point: the layout of a press release follows a specific style. A press release that's not formatted properly gives a busy editor a reason to throw it in the trash and not even read it.

First timers often don't know they should begin it with a release date (or "for immediate release" statement) and end what's to be printed with "###" for example. There are more steps in between. This link gives the details of each section that should be included.

http://www.angelashupe.com/2008/04/21/the-basic-press-release-layout/

Sandra Kitchen said:

You are right Kay, one of the things that should be done before writing a press release is to research how to write one properly. It should be interesting information, not only advertising.

One of the things about a press release, while they are an advertisement of sorts, they are written in the third person.

Permalink Reply by Kay Elizabeth on November 29, 2009 at 7:12pm

That's a really important point, scribbler. Getting the format right can even be used as part of a selection method. Editors have a limited amount of space to fill and won't waste time fixing things.

scribbler said:

This is a good thread! :) Another point: the layout of a press release follows a specific style. A press release that's not formatted properly gives a busy editor a reason to throw it in the trash and not even read it.

First timers often don't know they should begin it with a release date (or "for immediate release" statement) and end what's to be printed with "###" for example. There are more steps in between. This link gives the details of each section that should be included.

http://www.angelashupe.com/2008/04/21/the-basic-press-release-layout/

Sandra Kitchen said:

You are right Kay, one of the things that should be done before writing a press release is to research how to write one properly. It should be interesting information, not only advertising.

One of the things about a press release, while they are an advertisement of sorts, they are written in the third person.

Permalink Reply by SpotlightInterviews on December 28, 2011 at 5:38am

Local media, especially print, are often scrambling to fill pages so they can sell more advertising. I'd call their newsdesk directly and inform them nicely that you're sending them a press release and are a local author if they would be interested in an interview. Not every media outlet subscribes to the same or all of the PR sites. I'd definitely give them a local tailored version.

Offer to run a book giveaway for their readers if they want it or some other kind of perk eg a few copies for the local library or school. They don't need to make space for you but generally will make more of an effort if you give them a reason to say something beyond what's in the press release itself. 

Lori A. Moore said:

Do you think Press Releases should be sent through a national service (for example, I use PRlog.com) AND also sent directly to local media with a version specific to letting them know you're a local author OR just one or the other?

Permalink Reply by Colin WR Chadwick on January 12, 2012 at 11:46am

Thank you to everyone in the thread, I had no idea this was possible.

I must study this thread more closely,

Thank you again to all.