Does the thought of writing a press release make you cringe? Fear no more! After you have read this article, your press releases will flow from your fingertips... well, maybe not, but you will have learned the basics of writing a standard press release.

Let us begin by reviewing what a press release is. By definition a press release is simply a statement prepared for distribution to the media. The purpose of a press release is to give journalists information that is useful, accurate and interesting. Get it? Useful, accurate and interesting, it is that easy.

Press releases are in all actuality 'cookie cutter'. Once you get the hang of writing them, all you have to do is fill in the blanks. Press releases conform to an established format. Journalist receive so many press releases a day, they have set standards and expectations that you must conform to just to have your release read, let alone published. If your press release is printed 'as is', without changing even one word, then you know you have conformed to the journalistic standards of that particular medium. "Write on", you're doing a great job!

Press releases should be printed on a company letterhead. You can download a free template if you wish (see below). If this is not feasible, adding a company logo is essential. Contact us if you require assistance. Our company's name, and your web address, location address and phone number should be printed clearly at the top of the page. PRESS RELEASE should be spelled out in all CAPS and centred in bold. The press release contact persons name should be underneath the wording and all contact numbers printed clearly underneath. If the press release is for IMMEDIATE RELEASE, say so, on the left margin or centred directly above the title in all caps.

The next essential component of the press release is the Headline or Title. It should be centred, and in bold. The heading of the press release should capture the journalist. The title of the press release should be short and snappy, and hopefully grabbing the attention of the journalist and impressing them enough to read on.

You are now ready for the useful, accurate and interesting BODY of the press release. The body of the press release begins with the date and city for which the press release is originated. The body of the press release is very basic; who, what, where, when and why. The first paragraph of the press release should contain in brief detail what the press release is about. The second paragraph explains, in detail: who cares; why you should care; where one can find it; when it will happen. Also, included in the second 'informative' paragraph is generally a quote that gives the release a personal touch. Touchy-feelies go a long way with journalists. Press releases and news stories are boring to journalists without a 'human interest'. The third and generally final paragraph is a summation of the release and further information on your company with the company contact information clearly spelled out.

The content of the press release, beginning with the date and city of origin, should be typed in a clear, basic font (Times New Roman, Arial, etc.) and double-spaced. If your press release exceeds one page, the second page should indicate ' Page Two' in the upper right hand corner. Journalistic standards have set basic parameters to define the end of a press release: ###. Three # symbols, centred directly underneath the last line of the release indicate the end of a press release.

The next time you are tasked with writing a press release for your company, have no fear, the basic rules are clear: useful, accurate and interesting information portrayed within the set journalistic guidelines.

Good luck! Write on!

Press Release Checklist

Company Letterhead, Name, Address, Phone Number, Web Address PRESS RELEASE in all caps Contact Person's Name Immediate Release or Release Date(all caps) HEADLINE or TITLE in BOLD/CAPS BODY-Date/City-who,what,when,where and why. Catchy Text - Sum it up... Basic Font, Double Spaced, Page Numbers, and ### Action Plan/Calendar

Hopefully, once you have really considered the above, your marketing affect will be noticeable. Good Luck!

Courtesy of www.lunareclipse.net

1. Make sure the information is newsworthy.
2. Tell the audience that the information is intended for them and why they should continue to read it.
3. Start with a brief description of the news, then distinguish who announced it, and not the other way around.
4. Ask yourself, "How are people going to relate to this and will they be able to connect?"
5. Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important.
6. Avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language.
7. Deal with the facts.
8. Provide as much Contact Information as possible: Individual to Contact, address, phone, fax, email, Web site address.
9. Make sure you wait until you have something with enough substance to issue a release.
10. Make it as easy as possible for media representatives to do their jobs.

--Courtesy of www.press-release-writing.com

Click on the COMPANY LOGO at the top of the page and you will link to our website.

Click on the word PRESS at the top of the page and the form will be sent to your printer for printing.

Click on the word RELEASE at the top of the page and the form will be cleared of all data.

Click on the word PUBLISHERS at the top of the page and you will be able to save your completed form.

Click on the word EMAIL and you will help you to email your completed form (be sure to save it first).

Click on the word IMMEDIATE at the top of the page and you will be able import form data if you have it saved on your computer.

Click on the word RELEASE after the word 'immediate' and you will be able export the form data for use at a later date.

Copyright- L&R Hartley 2004