Mastering the Art of Press Release Writing and Distribution

Crafting Your Narrative: The Press Release Checklist

Step 1: Identifying Your Story

1. Discover your unique angle and build upon it.
2. Differentiate yourself from the competition.
3. Explore various perspectives, such as:
   • Seasonal or event-related topics
   • Expert tips and advice
   • Socially significant issues
   • Innovations and breakthroughs
   • Human interest stories
   • Uncommon achievements or creative ideas
   • A blend of humor and insight

Step 2: Adopting a Journalist's Mindset

1. Understand why an editor would find your story compelling:
   • Relevance to current trends
   • Intriguing content
   • Newsworthiness
2. Craft a headline that highlights the main benefit.
3. Write with clarity and brevity, ensuring easy readability.
4. Address the essential questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.
5. Aim for a press release that requires minimal editing for publication.

Step 3: The Mechanics of Writing a Press Release

1. Invest time in creating a powerful title.
2. Ensure the opening sentence aligns with the headline.
3. Convey your story succinctly in the headline and leading paragraph.
4. Include credible testimonials and case studies.
5. Highlight a strong guarantee, if applicable.
6. Limit bullet points, avoid attachments, and use active voice.
7. Edit rigorously to eliminate any superfluous content.

Step 4: Press Release Format

A standard press release should include:

• A captivating headline
• Immediate release notation and contact information
• A sub-heading for additional context
• An introductory paragraph summarizing the news
• Main body paragraphs detailing the announcement
• A concluding paragraph with a call to action
• Comprehensive contact details for further inquiries

Step 5: Final Preparations

Before distribution, ensure:

1. The press release is available on your website.
2. An online press kit is in place.
3. You are prepared to engage with reporters if contacted.

The Secret Ingredient: Brevity

The key to increasing your press release's chances of being published is simplicity. Keep it concise and to the point. Editors are inundated with lengthy submissions, and a short, well-crafted press release stands a better chance of being read and considered.

Additional Resources

For further guidance on press release writing, consider these expert resources:

• 10 Tips For Better Press Releases by B.L. Ochman
• Using And Writing Press Releases by Craig Lock
• Publicity STARTS with a Press Release by Kate Schultz
• How to Write Press Releases that Get Published by Paul Krupin

For press release distribution, explore:

• PRWeb - Free distribution platform
• Press Release Network
• eReleases

Conclusion

By following this checklist and embracing the principle of brevity, you can create press releases that not only tell a compelling story but also appeal to journalists and editors. Remember to think like a journalist, format your press release correctly, and keep it succinct. With these strategies in place, you'll be well on your way to seeing your news in print, which is an incredibly rewarding experience.