Press Releases

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Lindsey Gobel — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:15:05 GMT

Current Revision posted to Press Releases by Lindsey Gobel on 6/25/2024 3:15:05 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

Freelance publicist and communications pro Lindsey Gobel discusses how to create a press release and how to adhere to the strict writing guidelines required. Authors see examples of press releases and learn about the specific parts that make up a press release, including a professional author bio. Next, she discusses how authors can use the press release as an essential marketing tool and in media relations to secure articles and features with news outlets. Finally, she geso over the dos and don’ts for creating a press release and where authors can find help.

The takeaways from this webinar will be invaluable to any author who wants to stand out and appeal to publishers, agents and the media. Authors who would like to fine tune their marketing materials, as well as authors who are starting at square one and don’t know where to begin, will be empowered with the knowledge and skills they gain from this webinar, and feel ready to promote their book like a pro!

Here are the handouts referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Author-Press-Releases-Handout23_5F00_GOBEL.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Press-Release-Template-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Foote_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Reeves_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Washington_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

About the Presenter:
Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She recently wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018. Her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al. You can check out more publicity tips from Gobel at: https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/search?q=Lindsey%20Gobel and follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/writeyourbusiness/?ref=bookmarks.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Author Learning Center — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:21:58 GMT

Revision 11 posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 10/16/2023 1:21:58 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Lindsey Gobel — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:04:25 GMT

Revision 10 posted to Press Releases by Lindsey Gobel on 8/15/2023 9:04:25 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Lindsey Gobel — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:02:29 GMT

Revision 9 posted to Press Releases by Lindsey Gobel on 8/15/2023 9:02:29 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

Here are the handouts referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Author-Press-Releases-Handout_5F00_GOBEL.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Press-Release-Template-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Foote_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Reeves_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Washington_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Author Learning Center — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:01:51 GMT

Revision 8 posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 8/15/2023 9:01:51 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Author Learning Center — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:01:27 GMT

Revision 7 posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 8/15/2023 9:01:27 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

Here are the handouts referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../6242.Author-Press-Releases-Handout_5F00_GOBEL.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Press-Release-Template-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Foote_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Reeves_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Washington_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Author Learning Center — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:59:35 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 8/15/2023 8:59:35 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Author Learning Center — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:57:01 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 8/15/2023 8:57:01 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

Here are the handouts referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../3858.Author-Press-Releases-Handout_5F00_GOBEL.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Press-Release-Template-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Foote_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Reeves_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Washington_5F00_Press-Release-Example-ALC.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Author Learning Center — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:55:14 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 8/15/2023 8:55:14 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PressReleasesAnEssentialPublicityToolforAuthors2023.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Author Learning Center — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:02:20 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 8/15/2023 8:02:20 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Lindsey Gobel — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:34:17 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Press Releases by Lindsey Gobel on 2/16/2022 8:34:17 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Press Releases: An Essential Publicity Tool for Authors

Lindsey Gobel — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:30:09 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Press Releases by Lindsey Gobel on 2/16/2022 8:30:09 PM

This webinar goes over a professional press release and why it is important to authors.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, RecordedWebinar

Key Elements of an Effective Book Launch Press Release

Lindsey Gobel — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:00:16 GMT

Current Revision posted to Press Releases by Lindsey Gobel on 10/31/2018 1:00:16 PM

A press release is a tool that authors can use to notify the media of their book release. Per freelance writer, editor, and publicist Lindsey Gobel, the best way to execute a press release is to work with a literary publicist. Literary publicists have the experience and connections to ensure your press release contains all of the essential elements and that it will get into the hands of as many media contacts as possible. A press release should be concise and objective, and written in a journalistic style. Containing key information about the author and the book, a press release must be presented in a way that captures the attention of the media. There is a right time and a wrong time to launch a book press release, says Gobel. The best time to launch a press release is first thing on a Monday morning so that media contacts are exposed to it before their strategy meetings take place. The worst time is on a Friday afternoon - your press release is likely to get lost and buried over the weekend.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Key-Elements-of-an-Effective-Book-Launch-Press-Release.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Write a Killer Press Release - article

Molly Blaisdell — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 12:43:38 GMT

Current Revision posted to Press Releases by Molly Blaisdell on 6/8/2017 12:43:38 PM

In the top left hand corner of the release include the words “For Immediate Release.” This announces your press release to news agencies. Below this, include a heading with your contact information and your personal logo. This portion of the press release needs to be appealing, formatted, and professional.

Next the headline is centered in the middle of the page. This needs to be catchy without sliding into melodrama or sensationalism. This is not a place to outdo with the National Inquirer. Drive this portion of the press release with active verbs and precise nouns. Your pitch must be irresistible. It must also be focused. Don’t ramble or generalize.

Follow the headline with the first line of the body of the press release. It always begins with the location of the release in all caps followed by the date. The next paragraphs are crucial. They reveal newsworthiness with riveting details. The book is the star in a press release not the author.

In the first paragraph the essence of the book needs to be condensed down to a one sentence summary that offers a provoking glimpse into at the book’s content. This is followed by the ISBN, the book type (i.e. hardcover, e-book, or trade paperback), the book’s length, the book’s trim size, and price.

The next paragraph add three more sentences that set the book apart from all other competitors. These sentences must show why this book is a standout in its genre. After this, add any endorsements the book has received from reviewers or other authors. Next tie the book to any specific special interest group. Adding an endorsement quote from a member of this group is also helpful.

Finally add a sentence about the professional qualifications of the author and any platform that the author may have. The author might be a former lawyer/doctor/circus clown -- anything that might support the content of the book needs to be mentioned here. Also mention any upcoming author appearances. Close with a polite nudge like: “for more information or to schedule an interview…” Follow this with contact information, including a phone number, email and website. To end, use the standard formatting marks “##.”

Follow this tried and true plan for a killer press release. Be confident that you have approached news organizations in a professional way that will garner results.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Maximize Your Efforts by Following Up - article

Author Learning Center — Tue, 30 May 2017 12:18:52 GMT

Current Revision posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 5/30/2017 12:18:52 PM

While sending out press releases and media kits is an important phase of your public relations campaign, following up with these contacts is absolutely critical to success. Authors who follow up with the media have more success publicizing their books than those who fail to do so.

Fielding Follow-up Requests from the Media

Follow-up calls from editors and reporters might come immediately or as long as three weeks after the distribution of a publicity piece, but you can never predict when or if you'll even receive the calls. Again, practice your conversation by anticipating and preparing answers to sample questions. If the caller requests a review copy, send it right away, then follow up within a week to see if he or she has additional questions or would like to schedule an interview.

Making Your Own Follow-up Calls

Editors and reporters might follow up with you after receiving your release or kit, but more often than not, you will need to follow up with them. Again, time your call to match the media outlet's schedule. Be pleasant and direct as you work your way through the phone system to the individual you need to speak with.

When you reach the editor or reporter, DO NOT ask whether he or she received your news release. This question is a waste of the individual's time. Instead, tell the editor who you are and that you sent them a news release related to your book. Explain how you are calling to offer your assistance to them in crafting a story about the piece, writing a review, or scheduling an interview. You also can remind the editor that you will happily send him or her a free review copy of your book. If you've scheduled an appearance, book signing, or other event subsequent to sending the release, you can mention that as well.

Again, be pleasant, direct, and willing to answer questions. If the reporter brushes you off, remain pleasant, say good-bye, and move on to the next contact. Keep your head held high and continue forging a working relationship with the rest of the contacts on your media list.

Conducting Interviews

If you do land an interview, congratulations! Interviews can be powerful publicity machines for promoting your book. Talking to members of the media can seem overwhelming, especially when you're in the beginning stages of your public relations efforts, but the important thing to remember is that the interview is designed to gather information about things you know well, such as your book and your background. With preparation and practice, you can learn to gain the most from media interviews.

When you put together your media kit, you probably created a sample question-and-answer sheet. The items you recorded there will give you a strong head start in preparing to handle media interviews. Here are some subjects you should prepare to discuss in your interview:

- Your background and other interests, ideas, or expertise evolved into the writing of your book
- How you came up with the idea for your book
- Some of the more interesting ways you researched or learned of the information used when writing the book
- How your book connects with local interests
- Authors or books that have inspired or influenced you and your work

Again, research is a critical key to this phase of preparation. Read, watch, and listen to interviews with the media outlets you're contacting.

Familiarize yourself with the interview format, common interview questions, and the length of time allotted for responses. Learn which issues associated with your book are most likely to resonate with the media outlet's audience. Practice answering those questions. Interview yourself. Sit in a chair before a large mirror and run through your interview questions and answers. Once you're comfortable with these self-interviews, enlist the aid of a friend, relative, or your spouse as a partner in practice interviews. Give your partner your list of interview questions, but tell them to feel free to improvise as well.

Handling the Actual Interview

Most interviews are arranged in advance. If the interview is conducted over the phone, be sure to take the call in a quiet place where you won't be distracted or interrupted. Also, be sure to have practiced your interviews in this environment so you feel more prepared and comfortable during the actual call.

Listen to the question, carefully think through the appropriate response, then clearly, and carefully, relay your response to the interviewer. While you need to be concise and efficient, don't rush. Take your time, remember your talking points, and answer questions in a way that presents you and your book in the most positive and interesting light for the outlet's audience. With practice, you'll also learn to relax during interviews, which will also help make you more effective.

The more often you practice responding to questions about your book, the better able you'll be to say the things you really want to say. And that's an important point; don't say ANYTHING to an interviewer that you don't want broadcast to the public. Even if the interviewer assures you repeatedly that your comment is "off the record," it won't be. If you say it to a reporter, it's public knowledge-period. So think carefully before you respond to questions.

If you feel yourself becoming shaken and nervous, take a deep breath and give yourself a few seconds to collect your thoughts. If you are asked a question that you don't know the answer to, tell the reporter that you'll have to consider the question and get back to them. You'll be less nervous as you gain more experience; again, practice is the key.

Finally, remember that the best way to avoid mistakes is to be honest. Don't exaggerate or spout overblown hype about your book. Don't stress over mistakes either. Everyone slips up at times, and you'll improve with experience.

Following Up After the Interview

Within a day or two of the interview, call or e-mail the reporter, editor, or producer who interviewed you, just to be certain no further information is needed to complete the piece. They may have developed more questions in the course of preparing the story or broadcast, or they may need more information on one of the interview points.

Last but not least, never forget to thank the interviewer for his or her time and hard work. It only takes a second but can make a world of difference.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Maximize Your Efforts by Following Up - article

Author Learning Center — Tue, 30 May 2017 10:59:36 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Press Releases by Author Learning Center on 5/30/2017 10:59:36 AM

Sending out news releases and media kits isn't the most important phase of your public relations campaign; following up on those initial contacts is absolutely critical to success. Authors who follow up with the media have much more success publicizing their books than do those authors who fail to follow up.

Fielding Follow-up Requests from the Media

Follow-up calls from editors and reporters might come immediately or as much as three weeks after you distribute your publicity piece, but you cannot predict when or if you'll receive the calls. Again, practice your conversation by anticipating and preparing to answer the types of questions the reporter or editor might ask. If the caller requests a review copy, send it right away, then follow up within a week to see if he or she has additional questions or would like to schedule an interview.

Making Your Own Follow-up Calls

Although a reporter or editor might follow up with you after receiving your release or kit, more frequently you will need to follow up with them. Again, time your call to match the media outlet's schedule. Be pleasant and direct, as you work your way through the phone system to the individual you need to speak with.

When you reach the editor or reporter to whom you've directed your news pieces, DO NOT ask whether he or she received your news release. This pointless question is an annoying waste of the editor's time, and typically he or she will say "no," then hang up. Instead, tell the editor who you are and that you sent them a news release related to your book; explain that you are calling to offer your assistance in providing further information for their use in crafting a story about the piece, writing a review, or scheduling an interview. You also can remind the editor that you will happily send him or her a free review copy of your book. If you've scheduled an appearance, book signing, or other event subsequent to sending the release, you can mention that as well.

Again, be pleasant, direct, helpful, and willing to answer questions. If the reporter brushes you off, remain pleasant, say good-bye, and move on to the next contact. Keep your contacts pleasant and upbeat so that you can continue to try to forge a working relationship with the majority of contacts on your media list.

Conducting Interviews

If you land an interview in response to your public relations efforts, congratulations! Print and broadcast interviews can be powerful publicity machines for promoting your book. But talking to members of the media can seem overwhelming, especially when you're in the beginning stages of your public relations efforts. The important thing to remember is that the interview is designed to gather information about things you know very, very well-your book and your background. With some preparation and practice, you can learn to gain the most from media interviews.

- Your background, and how your other interests, ideas, or expertise evolved into the writing of your book
- How you came up with the idea for your book
- Some of the more interesting ways you researched or learned of the information you used when writing the book
- How your book connects with local interests
- Authors or books that have inspired or influenced you and your work
- Again, research is a critical key to this phase of preparation. Read, watch, and listen to interviews with the media outlets you're contacting.

Become familiar with the interview format, the types of questions typically asked, and the length of time slotted for responses. Learn which types of issues associated with your book are most likely to resonate with the media outlet's audience. Practice answering those questions. Interview yourself; sit in a chair before a large mirror and run through your interview questions and answers. After you've become comfortable with these self-interviews, enlist the aid of a friend, relative, or your spouse as a partner in practice interviews. Give your partner your list of interview Q&As, but tell them to feel free to improvise as well.

Handling the Actual Interview

Most interviews will be arranged in advance. If the interview will be conducted over the phone, be sure that you arrange to take the call in a quiet place where you won't be distracted or interrupted. Also, be sure to have practiced your interviews in this environment, too, so you feel more prepared and comfortable during the actual call.

Listen to the question, carefully think through the appropriate response, then clearly and carefully relay your response to the interviewer. Though you need to be concise and efficient, you don't need to rush. Take your time, remember the talking points you've practiced, and answer questions in a way that presents you and your book in the most positive and interesting light for the individual media outlet's audience. With practice, you'll also learn to relax during interviews, which will also help make you more effective.

Finally, remember that the best way to avoid "mis-statements" is to be honest. Don't exaggerate or spout overblown hype about your book. And don't stress out over mistakes; everyone slips up at times, and you'll improve with experience.

Following Up After the Interview

Within a day or two of the interview, phone or e-mail the reporter, editor, or producer who interviewed you, to be certain that they have all of the information they need to complete their piece. They may have developed more questions in the course of preparing their story or broadcast, or they may need more information on one of the interview points. Remember to thank them for their time.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Managing Publicity for an Independently Published Book - podcast

Peggy Kelsey — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:29:42 GMT

Current Revision posted to Press Releases by Peggy Kelsey on 3/10/2017 3:29:42 PM

Authors who are serious about making an impact should invest in a professionally-designed cover and a publicist, says author Peggy Kelly. These elements elevate product quality and can take your book places it wouldn't otherwise go. For Kelly, results included an endorsement by Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner" and a virtual tour that generated reviews and interviews. Authors may have the ability to manage publicity for independent books, but leaning on expert specialists is advised.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PeggyKelseyManagingPublicityforanIndependentlyPublishedBook.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, podcast

Managing Publicity for an Independently Published Book - video

Peggy Kelsey — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:29:31 GMT

Current Revision posted to Press Releases by Peggy Kelsey on 3/10/2017 3:29:31 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PeggyKelseyManagingPublicityforanIndependentlyPublishedBook.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Write a Killer Press Release - article

Molly Blaisdell — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 09:49:31 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Press Releases by Molly Blaisdell on 3/4/2017 9:49:31 AM

You want be a successful published author. You’ve already written a fab book but how do you get the word out there? One necessary skill is the ability to write a killer press release. A press release is a relation of the “news” article and is intended for press outlets. This document serves to whet the interest of local and national news organizations. It’s always written in third person and in present tense. All grammar and spelling must be perfect. The entire press release should be no more than a page in length and it should also have a strong slant that showcases your work.
In the top left hand corner of the release include the words “For Immediate Release.” This announces your press release to news agencies. Below this, include a heading with your contact information and your personal logo. This portion of the press release needs to be appealing, formatted, and professional.
Next the headline is centered in the middle of the page. This needs to be catchy without sliding into melodrama or sensationalism. This is not a place to outdo with the National Inquirer. Drive this portion of the press release with active verbs and precise nouns. Your pitch must be irresistible. It must also be focused. Don’t ramble or generalize.
Follow the headline with the first line of the body of the press release. It always begins with the location of the release in all caps followed by the date. The next paragraphs are crucial. They reveal newsworthiness with riveting details. The book is the star in a press release not the author.
In the first paragraph the essence of the book needs to be condensed down to a one sentence summary that offers a provoking glimpse into at the book’s content. This is followed by the ISBN, the book type (i.e. hardcover, e-book, or trade paperback), the book’s length, the book’s trim size, and price.
The next paragraph add three more sentences that set the book apart from all other competitors. These sentences must show why this book is a standout in its genre. After this, add any endorsements the book has received from reviewers or other authors. Next tie the book to any specific special interest group. Adding an endorsement quote from a member of this group is also helpful.
Finally add a sentence about the professional qualifications of the author and any platform that the author may have. The author might be a former lawyer/doctor/circus clown -- anything that might support the content of the book needs to be mentioned here. Also mention any upcoming author appearances. Close with a polite nudge like: “for more information or to schedule an interview…” Follow this with contact information, including a phone number, email and website. To end, use the standard formatting marks “##.”
Follow this tried and true plan for a killer press release. Be confident that you have approached news organizations in a professional way that will garner results.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Press Releases: How to Create One - article

Michael Esser — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 09:21:47 GMT

Current Revision posted to Press Releases by Michael Esser on 3/4/2017 9:21:47 AM

So you want to write a professional press release. This quick guide will run through the key elements that make up an acceptable press release. You should remember that you will be sending your press release to professionals. So be sure that your press release conveys a professional image in every way, down to your letterhead.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The first element of your press release is the release notice. The words above mean that you have sent the release to the media, and it's available for release “immediately.” Simply state "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" in all caps, at the top of your page. You can also specify a different release date, if you prefer. Just be aware that “For immediate release” is the standard statement used.

Basic Contact Information

Under your release notice, be sure to include the contact information of the person in charge of your media relations. This is the person to be contacted in case any questions or requests arise in connection with the press release. Include a name, address, phone, fax, e-mail and web-site address.

Headline Time!

If there is any point in releasing this information to the press, you need to express it here. Make your headline eye-catching. Make it newsworthy. Formatting should simply be in all caps, centered, with a larger font than your main text, so the headline stands out.

Sub-Headline

A sub-headline for your press release is optional. If you decide to include one, be sure to format it like a title, but make it smaller than the headline.

The Body

The first part of your release should begin with your location and the date. The date needs to be the actual date you put out the release.

We've all heard of the basic questions that make up the five W's: Who? What? When? Where? Why? In the first paragraph, answer these five questions as precisely as possible. At the same time, work on creating a major impact with vivid images or startling facts.

The next paragraph or two might include a quote from a credible source pertinent to the story, while continuing to flesh out the opening paragraph.

For Additional Information

The last part of your press release needs to contain a standard, reusable line of information that gives your purpose, as well as any other essential information.

Length

So that it will be readily accepted by readers, keep the entire press release down to one page. You might be able to get away with two, but one is standard.

The Finishing Touch

Always end your press release with three pound signs (###), and make sure they're centered. This is just a standard element of all press releases. It lets the journalist reading it know that he has come to the end of the release.

That's it! You've pieced together your first release and have the tools to go through the same process again in the future.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction