How to write a press release

Here's some suggestions

Somemedia outlets will not even look at your writing if it hasn't been formatted inproper press release style. Later on we'll provide a sample pressrelease, which contains the following:

1. Top: Type"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" at the beginning. Be sure tocapitalize every letter. You can also "Embargo" your news and specify a specific release date and time.

2. Contact: Contact information should always include:

• Contact name and phone (critical)
• Online address
• Release time

3. Headline: Make sure it's catchy! Often the title is wherepeople decide to either read on or throw it away.

4. LeadParagraph: Shouldcontain the 5 W's: who, what, when, where and why. This paragraph should graspthe reader's attention. Also be sure to include the dateline, along with thecity of origination.

5.Text: The main body of your pressrelease. Include quotes, where possible.

6.Recap: Restatementof your product(s) or service(s) specifications, highlight product/servicerelease/start date. Many companies have a standard template that they use for all press releases that they send out. Consider creating one that you will be able to use in future pressreleases. This will save you time in the long run.

What is a proper format?

PRESSRELEASE FORMATTING SUGGESTIONS

• Use 8 ½ x 11 paper.

• Use a minimum of one-inch margins on each side of the page.

• Use a Bold typeface for the headlines to draw attention.

• Capitalize the first letter of all words in the headline (with the exception of:

"a,” "an,”"the,” or prepositions such as: "of,” "to,” or"from"). The combination of upper and

lower case makes iteasier to read. For example:

Model Turned Designer Features One-of-a-KindFashions on Exclusive New Site

• Complete the paragraph on one page instead of carrying it over onto the next page.

• Use only one side of each sheet of paper.

• Use the word "more" between two dashes and center it at the bottom of the page to let reporters know that another page follows.

– more –

• Use three hash symbols immediately following the last paragraph to indicate the end of the press release:

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