How to write a press release

A press release provides information to various sectors of the media concerning a newsworthy topic or event. It is a great way to get information to the public. It should be short and should catch the attention of the news editor. You can send it by email, mail, or fax.

Writing a Press Release

• Begin with an eye-catching headline. Keep it short and to the point. You can include a subhead too, which expands on your headline in a few more words.
• Write in an “inverted pyramid” style. Place the most important points—“who, where, what, when, why and how”—at the beginning, followed by the details.
• Write in the present tense and use action verbs.
• Sprinkle relevant quotations throughout.
• Try to time the release when the issue or event will be a top story for the media, or try to tie your issue into one of the big stories of the day.
• Call the day after you send the press release to ask if the journalist would like to interview you. Don’t push this, as the media receive a large number of press releases, but make it clear that you are available to them.

Press Release Format

• Only use one side of the page.
• Use wide margins allow room for editors’ comments and instructions.
• Try to stay to one page.
• Write as a reporter—not from a first-person perspective.
• Provide pronunciation guides for unusual names.
• Include contact information for at least two people who can answer questions about the release.
• Type “# # #” centred below the last line. This signals the end of the release.

See a sample press release

Additional Resource

For more information, go to http://www.publicityinsider.com/release.asp