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How do I Write a Press Release?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A press release is intended to convey information about an upcoming or ongoing event or to make another sort of statement to the media. When writing a press release, keep in mind that many media sources receive a large number of press releases each day, so it is important to keep the information concise, interesting, and accurate. The press release is a hook, and a well written factual release will generate positive publicity. When writing a press release, it is an excellent idea to think your way into the mind of a reporter, making sure that the relevant information is clearly outlined in a way that is not excessively promotional.

General formatting rules for a press release include using a clearly legible, clean font such as Times New Roman or Arial, sizing it appropriately, and double spacing it. “PRESS RELEASE” should be centered and written in bold at the top of the document so that a casual glance will reveal the nature of the communication. A press release should always be sent out on a company letterhead, with contact information listed at the top and bottom. If a company letterhead is not available, a company logo should be added so that the document is clearly an official communication. Press releases should always be checked for spelling and grammatical errors to ensure that they make a positive impression on the recipient.

A press release presents chunks of information in an easily accessible fashion.
A press release presents chunks of information in an easily accessible fashion.

A press release presents chunks of information in an easily accessible fashion. The press release should lead with a brief header, much like the headline in a newspaper. The header is an opportunity to grab the journalist and pique his or her interest in the rest of the content. Keep it short, informative, and interesting. “Meet famous author Howard Zinn at a cocktail reception on December 16th” is not a good headline, because it is too wordy; “You're Invited to a Reception with Howard Zinn” is better.

Following the header, the first paragraph should detail the quick who, what, where, when, why, and how of the press release. This portion of the press release is the appropriate section in our example for detailing that the event is a cocktail reception in the Hoover Library on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Draw the interest of the reader so that he or she is interested in more detail, included in the second paragraph. In our example, the second paragraph may detail Howard Zinn's credentials, the reason for the reception, and other details that flesh out the report. Finally, close with a brief paragraph that wraps up the release and reiterates the pertinent information.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

chivebasil

I need some press release tips. How long is the average press release and what are the details that usually get included?

I need to write a press release but I feel like I have too much information. I wrote out a draft and it is several pages long, longer than most of the examples I have seen. I have to cut stuff out but everything seems important.

truman12

I have been tasked with writing a press release for my company but I have no experience and am really not sure where to start. Is there a place online where I can look up some sample press releases.

I work for a construction company so it would help if the examples are targeted in this area.

ZsaZsa56

The best way to write a press release is to be simple, direct and to try and disguise your sales pitch as much as possible. Ultimately, all press releases are trying to get attention and grab the focus of someone. But they cannot be blatantly complimentary or self serving.

Try to think about the person who will be reading the press release. What kind of story are they looking for? What sort of information do they need? Write with the reader in mind and you will have better results.

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    • A press release presents chunks of information in an easily accessible fashion.
      By: Minerva Studio
      A press release presents chunks of information in an easily accessible fashion.