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HOW TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE

home  I  developing your press kit

 A key component to developing a professional press kit is the Press Release.  In order to raise public awareness about events, new products, individuals or even hot commodities, individuals and organizations alike should be able to include at least one distinctive and spectacular, yet professionally written press release in their kit.

Filling a press kit with pertinent and interesting information can be problematic for those just getting started, when the collection of press clippings and proof of media coverage are scant or non-existent.  Press releases not only provide much needed "filler" to a starter press kit, they create the overall focus of the press kit being distributed.  They are also useful in establishing credibility.

Do you feel as though you have little worthy of announcing in a press release?  How about introducing you or your business' arrival into a new city, industry, profession or product line?  A headline such as, "Famed Illinois Playwright, Takes a Leap Toward Tinsel Town and the Big Screen," says it all, creates a focus for the press kit and tells the reader exactly what they need to know in a snapshot.  Compelling content, facts and details should follow.

The article below by eHow.com offers some steps to basic press release writing.  Some of the tips are geared toward paper, or hard-copy press releases. So as you read, try to imagine how you would modify these steps to account for electronic or eco-friendly versions as well.  Don't worry.  If you get in over your head, we're here to help (you can contact us through our home page)!

How To Write a Winning Press Release

by eHow.com contributing writer

Self-promotion plays a big part in the success of any business. Publicity generated by press releases is free, and often the coverage is far more extensive than anything you could have hoped to say in an ad. Keep in mind that your goal is to attract favorable media attention while following these steps.

Things You'll Need (for hard-copy releases only):

  • Bonded Paper
  • Word-processing Software
  • Photographers
  • Computers
  • Printers
  • Cameras

Things You'll Need (for electronic Press Releases) - as added by Jey Associates PR:

  • Word-processing Software
  • Photographers (or copies of digital photographs from your event, person, etc.)
  • Computer
  • PDF Writer - to turn your press release into a PDF, if necessary
  • Information about ancillary projects (if you are writing about your appearance in a particular episodic television series, you will need some official verbiage "ABOUT INSERT TITLE HERE" show.  This can usually be found online.  The same goes for information about other people, charities, etc. 
  • Links - locations online where people can click from your press release, to read more about you, your project, or ancillary entities mentioned in your project.  (Note: this is a perfect time to direct people to the IMDB page of your TV show or movie, as that will help increase your star meter).

Step 1 - Decide why you are writing a press release and determine your focus.

Step 2 - Keep it short and to the point. Usually, press releases are no more than one page.

Step 3 - Print the words "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" in the top left-hand margin in all caps. Follow this line with relevant contact information: name, title, address, phone number, email 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.

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. LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - January 1, 2000).

Step 6 - Make certain the first paragraph includes all the vital information: the where, when, why, what and who.

Step 7 - Include some tantalizing peripheral details or facts to spark curiosity in following paragraphs. A good press release not only informs but also teases.

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 - Center these marks, " # # #" or "-30-", at the bottom of the page to indicate the end of your release.

Step 10 - Print your release on high quality paper using a good laser or inkjet printer. You only get one chance to make a solid first impression.

copyright © 2009 eHow.com

NEXT: You should Electronically Distribute Your Press Release.  Go to www.prweb.com (this will take you away from the Jey Associates website), and get your news out there!