How to Write a Press Release.

A press release, sometimes referred to as news release, is a statement / letter sent to an editor or journalist explaining why they should write a story or article about your event, product or service.

Most journalists have a preferred format that the press release needs to be in to even be read.
If you use Microsoft Office you can CLICK HERE for free downloads of Press Release templates.

If you do not use Microsoft Office, you can visit any of these great sites that offer free Press Release outlines, templates, and tips.

Bill Stoller's Publicity Insider
Free Press Release Center
How to Write a Press Release by Alou Web Design
Amnesty.ca How to Write a Press Release for Youth.

Writing the Press Release.
For starters you should print your press release on company paper with header and company logo. Or include a header with your contact information and logo if you have one.


The Introduction should consist of a short paragraph summing up the whole press release with some good key words that grab the reader’s attention. Your whole press release should be written from the journalist’s point of view, do not use words like I or We, write in the third person. Tip: If you read your introduction and it sounds like you are trying to sell something or worst sounds boring, then you should revise it. It is usually helpful to write this part last.


The Body should sound exactly how you want it to appear in the news article, if you send in a press release and it appears exactly the same in the news story, then you know you’ve written it well. When writing the body you should avoid using run-on sentences, be concise and informative of the event / service / product that you are writing about. Avoid using fancy fonts that may make your release harder to read. Be honest with what you write and include the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, and why)

Who - Briefly introduce yourself.
What – What is your product, service, or goals. What is the actual story.
Where – Include locations of the event or country / city of the news source.
When – When does the event take place, when does the sale start, etc…
Why – The purpose of the press release.


The Closing paragraph should include a sum up of your release and your contact information including who should be contacted if someone different from yourself.