Write and Format a Press Release That Gets Results
Just how do I write and format a press release? I’m asked this question often!
Typically, a press release follows a standard format. Newsrooms, editors, journalists, bloggers and other writers receive an abundance of press releases. Following a particular format is the ideal way to ensure that your press release gets noticed.
What is a Press Release?
The primary purpose of writing a press release (media release or news release) should be to alert the media of a unique story about your brand, a new product launch, unique service offering, community involvement or a cause, event, etc.
A press release contains newsworthy information; it could be something as simple as a local community event your company is sponsoring or information about a well-known author who’ll be speaking and autographing books at your store!
Why Should I Send a PR to the Media?
Because if you don’t alert the media to your good news, how will they ever find out? The goal of sending a PR is five-fold:
- Your goal is to have a story written about your company in a particular magazine, newspaper or online blog.
- You want to drive people to your website.
- You’d like to appear in Google, Bing, Yahoo or MSN news.
- You want to boost your online ranking.
- You want to increase awareness of your company.
Sample Template
This sample is from backlink dot com and is extremely helpful!
To format a press release, you must begin with a compelling “hook”. The hook is your purpose for writing the press release so make it compelling, memorable and persuasive. If you don’t have a robust headline, it’s unlikely your PR will make it to the newsroom.
Take a look at the template format and begin to fill in the blanks with informative content, quotes, images, graphics, contact info and the company boilerplate. The boilerplate section is where you include your company’s mission and contact information. Most press releases include five hash marks (pound sign) at the end which means “stop” in journalistic terms; in other words, the hash marks signal the end of the press release.
Format a Press Release Example
Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf PR September 2020
Contact: Steve DiCesare
SteveDiCesare@hotmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Celebrate National Deaf Awareness Month with Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf
A Touching, Thought-Provoking Book about One Man’s Lifelong Journey into Silence
BOULDER, COLO. (September 20, 2020)—Steve DiCesare tackles the difficult topic of hearing loss in his recently released book, Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf. This heartfelt collection of stories chronicles Steve’s hearing loss as a music-loving child, through his work as a recording artist, to his career today as a special educator. In honor of National Deaf Awareness Month, Steve is giving away dozens of copies of his book as a way to celebrate deaf issues, people, culture, sign language, accessibility and more. The stories provide life-affirming lessons, such as the importance of altering your mindset in the face of adversity, persevering through failures and mistakes, and finding fun even in the worst of times.
“I want to share the story of my struggles and my successes, especially with our youth and as we face the new challenges presented by COVID-19,” says Steve. “I wrote this book so that others who are struggling with hearing loss or deafness realize they can still land on their feet. It requires determination, persistence and a bit of humor to surmount the struggles facing a hard-of-hearing or deaf person, or someone with tinnitus.”
When he was 10, Steve begins a journey that would slowly reshape his world. In this unique and moving set of true short stories and letters to himself, he documents his experiences navigating the trials and unexpected gifts of hearing loss over the next four decades. He unabashedly shares his darkest moments and his triumphs, maintaining a keen sense of imagination and humor. Following a cochlear implant as an adult, Steve shifts from optimism to despair, resolve, victory and hope. In many ways, it is a story of survival. The result is a remarkable exercise in self-discovery and self-healing.
Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf speaks to a wide variety of people—from the hearing to the hard of hearing; to members of the deaf community and to those who love them. It’s also valuable for anyone struggling with a life-changing event. Clever, graphic illustrations created by Illustrator Ian Miller add a sense of realism that immerses the reader in the story.
“Steve DiCesare’s Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf is an illuminating portrayal of the author’s hearing loss, which began in boyhood and results in his deafness. DiCesare details the challenges of work, fatherhood, and his musicianship amidst his hearing troubles, and he mostly stays upbeat despite considerable obstacles. The author’s wit, and heart, shine through in equal measure.” Michael Malone, author of the novels Betsy Town and No Never No More
ABOUT Steven Louis DiCesare
Steve DiCesare was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City. He lives in Colorado and teaches Special Education, ASL and Metalsmithing/Jewelry. Steve enjoys snowboarding, longboarding, hiking and camping with his family in the Rockies. When not driving the kids around, Steve might be found online, fiercely attempting to navigate a Zoom meeting with his students. To schedule an interview with Steve or to request press photos, a sample chapter or a review copy, contact Steve at stevedicesare@hotmail.com. Get to know Steve at the Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf website.
Book Info
Title: Dear Steve, You’re Going Deaf
Author: Steven Louis DiCesare
Category: Inspiration
ISBN: 9781731447692
Format: Paperback and e-book
Publication Date: October 3, 2019
Pages: 227
Price: $11.99
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These tips for how to format a press release should help you craft a press release of your own. Go ahead and write a draft. If you get stuck give me a call at 303-478-7863 or visit me at 33Words.
