Writing a Press Release
1. You must have legitimate news. Don't cry wolf or you may be ignored when you have actual news.2. Be clear and concise with your message.
3. Grammar, spelling, and accuracy count. Check, double check, and triple check for these elements. You can never be too careful.
4. Less is more: keep your release to a single page if possible.
5. Keep the format simple.
a. Clearly mark the document as a press release in the top center of the page.
b. In the upper lefthand corner, put "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"
c. In the upper righthand corner, put "FOR MORE INFORMATION" and list the names and phone numbers of relevant organizational contacts.
6. The best formula is: headline, lead paragraph containing the essential information, supporting quote from a leader within your organization or a newsworthy source, documentation, and closing quote.
7. If your release does run longer than one page, be sure to write "MORE" at the bottom of each interim page.
8. End your release with ### centered at the bottom of the page.
9. Know, respect, and adhere to reporters' deadlines.
10. Remember that your press release is your version of the story. Make it readable and most importantly quotable.
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