Writing Effective News Releases

Every day, newspapers and magazines are deluged with thousands of press releases. Which stories make an editor sit up and take notice? Why do some press releases never get used? This book takes the reader through every stage of the process, from conceiving the story idea, researching information and writing the release, to distributing by the most effective means. Case studies and examples are included.

Today's journalists are struggling to cover more with fewer resources, which means there are great opportunities for those who can make a timely pitch in the right way. In this guide for first-time press release writers and public relations professionals alike, Steven Lewis breaks down the press release transaction, showing you how to write a press release that will get attention. As a journalist or publications like the "Financial Times" and "Esquire," Steven Lewis received thousands of press releases. As a consultant to global corporations, he has written press releases that led to media coverage around the world. "How to Write Perfect Press Releases" puts all that experience in your hands and shows you how to do the same.

Public Relations Worktext is a writing and planning resource for public relations students and practitioners.

A Guide to Preparing Cost-Effective Press Releases is an instructional approach to writing and effectively using the press release. It offers suggestions and recommendations for creating basic press releases and details how the release can extend the life of an ad campaign, providing high degree publicity at low cost. In an age of great emphasis on high performance, cost effectiveness, measurable success, and fast results, this book explains how a well-developed press release program can “super charge” an advertising program. Robert Loeffler reviews the basics of press release writing, gives several examples of successful press releases, and explains in detail how the reader can set up an ongoing press release program to provide a high degree of effective publicity at very low cost. As a major form of communication for businesses, public and private institutions, and the government, the press release is a tailor-made promotional tool for both large and small budgets. Loeffler discusses the mechanics of writing press releases, providing the press release writer with: a diagrammed writing approach for clear structure a list of do's and don'ts to prevent common errors samples of the most common types of releases a step-by-step explanation of release production, so as not to overlook important tasks for completion suggestions on how to write related releases, such as tradeshow press kits Experienced in-house communications and PR writers, nonprofit PR staffs, government and military public affairs staffs, and advertising agency writers will find Loeffler's book a handy reference for polishing press release writing skills. College undergraduate classes in journalism, technical writing, and business communication will find A Guide to Preparing Cost-Effective Press Releases a useful tool in learning the fundamentals of press release writing.

Blows the lid off one of the most effective yet elusive marketing tools known to man -- newspaper publicity. Written specifically for entrepreneurs and small businesses by 135 American newspaper professionals. "...how to get the coverage you need absolutely free. Need proof the product works? You're reading it". -- Homecare Business News Magazine of the Home Health Industry "Every small business owner should read it". -- Chinese Business Journal "...shares the secrets of getting press releases into the hands of the right reporter or other media type". -- Atlanta Business Chronicle

Today's journalists are struggling to cover more with fewer resources, which means there are great opportunities for those who can make a timely pitch in the right way. In this guide for first-time press release writers and PR professionals alike, Steven Lewis breaks down the press release transaction, showing you how to write a press release that will get attention. As a journalist for publications like the Financial Times and Esquire, Steven Lewis received thousands of press releases. As a consultant to global corporations, he has written press releases that led to media coverage around the world. How to Write Perfect Press Releases puts all that experience in your hands and shows you how to do the same.