Friday, February 27, 2009

Things to review: To have that Perfect Press Release

By Elisa Whealer

Your press release has been written. Ready to submit it? Sometimes in your eagerness to get it over it, you might feel that it is good to submit.

Realizing the main reason for your press writing..that is to attract the media so the press will make exciting news about it, you hold back and reread and reread it. You want to make sure your story delivers.

Anyone who has done press writing realizes the ultimate challenge of submitting a press writing that will convince journalists to write about it. But what would it take to produce a perfect press release for the media to react positively? Journalists certainly look for the news value of any press release.

Being in this situation is indeed uncomfortable. You do not know what these editors are actually looking for. You are not sure whether you have done a good job writing your release or not. Here, comes the importance of knowing what to check first before you actually submit a press release.

Essential Items to Review Before Your Press Release is Sent

How is the central topic? Is this going to be hot and enticing for the journalists to act on it and make a big news out of it? Compare with other angles and alternative topics that might possibly bring more impact to the media.

Since the main purpose of your press release is to have it converted to news by the media, it is therefore imperative that you must choose the best features of your company. In this manner, your story will have more sparkle and can magnetize the press to write about it.

Be alert of all the details and facts. Without these important ingredients, you cannot deliver a completely wholesome story. Press people have a keen eye on details and completeness of any article.

Organized, straight to the point and precise press release will be more inviting to read than one with many rambling words, that are pointless and do not give more value to your story. Bear in mind the seasoned journalists who will be scrutinizing your writing. They have no time to spare, they want to get to the core the shortest way, not through long series of unnecessary train of words.

Be concise and succinct in your writing. Do not be tempted to use superfluous words that can annoy your readers instead of getting their interest fixed to your press release. As in any other types of writing, it is more inviting to read when words describe clearly what is meant to be said. Do not beat around the bush by redundant words.

Have you checked the required format of the website you are submitting your release to? Be particularly conscious about this. Before you submit a press release, make sure you have done everything right.

Every single instruction must be followed properly. You do not wish to ire the editors when they see that you cannot even get the instructions right. There goes your chance, down the drain.

It is a very productive practice to check, review, reread your press release before your final submission. Remember in press writing, haste makes waste.

Do not lose sight of why you are submitting this press release. You want your company's business to have greater exposure to your targeted audience. The media can do this for you but you have to submit a press release, one that will convince them that it is a great news to write about.

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