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When To Write Press Releases
· Concert/Show and or Tour information
· Record, Publishing, Merchandising Deal Announcements
· Band Personnel Changes/Additions
· CD, Tape, and Video Release Information
· Promotional Events/Marketing Plans/Misc. Announcements
What The Print and Broadcast Media Need
· News or announcements related to their target audience
· Deadlines met for calendars and event listings
· Event or information in proximity to their coverage area
Layout and Essential Information
· Double space all content
· The phrase "For Immediate Release" centered near top 1/3 or page
· Date press release is sent out
· Contact information: Person media can call for more information with phone number and fax number
· Printed on company or artist/band stationary with full address info
· 1 to 1 1/2 pages long (unless for major event or project)
· End with the marks ### centered at end of the body
The Press Release Structure
The Slug Line (Headline)
· Short, but attention-getting headline phrase
· A hint of the purpose or topic to be presented
The Lead Paragraph
· Should include the 5 W's and the H (if needed):
Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How
· Summation of the basic topic/information
· Begin with the most important part of the information
· Who is in the beginning sentence, followed by Where and When
· Why, What, and How follow in the next few sentences
· No unnecessary details should be included in the lead paragraph
The Body
· Elaboration on the theme or purpose of the press release
· One thought, one paragraph. Cohesive, single ideas in each paragraph
· Write information in descending order of importance
· Keep information factual. Opinions only in quotes with proper credit
· Use simple sentences (Subject - Object -Verb) and avoid too much hype
· Ending option: Recap essential information from first paragraph
· Proofread several times for spelling, and/or grammatical errors
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