News releases, also called press releases, are the most important selling tool of publicity. The release must capture the editor's attention, be precise and easy to read.
A news release can go to just one newspaper or many publications at once. It can be a community notice about an organization's library sale or an international insight into inflation. The same standard form is used for every type of news, whether an executive promotion in the trade magazines, or a local event such as an author signing books at a neighborhood bookstore. If you want your notice to get into a special edition of a publication, be aware of the deadlines.
Sunday news editions generally have more readers than the daily editions. Find out when your release must be received at the editor's desk. Never mix publicity with advertising. If your newspaper features specific businesses in special industry supplements, you may be chosen because you advertise. But otherwise, editors frown on any releases that merely imitate advertising and are not newsworthy.
Don't embarrass yourself by sending anything that is not worthy of being printed in the publication as news. Not only will your release be thrown away, but you will destroy any chance you had for subsequent releases with that editor.
WRITING THE RELEASE
Keep the news release to one page. Type it clearly on white bond paper, double spaced, and never send it with typographical errors. Since the release might be published exactly as it is received, be sure the copy is professional and worthy of publication.
At the top left, put your name and address and the phone number you can be reached at during business hours. In full capital letters at the right, type, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, or for release on or after a certain date.
Use a headline appropriate to the event or topic, and keep it short - just like newspaper headings. Capitalize the first letter in each word and underline the headline.
Start the copy with a dateline, which is the city and date. Then write the rest within a few paragraphs. Include the important information in the standard who, what, when and where. Use good English, but don't run on with unimportant adjectives or boring information. You can capitalize the first letters of important events such as Public Auction or the name of your new product.
If you have a release to send to many publications at the same time, have it printed by photo offset so the copy is clear and looks original.
Include a personal letter to the editor. Be cordial, but keep it short. If your product is convenient to mail, you may include a sample if the editor is amenable.
Watch the publications and clip the printed publicity yourself. Never ask the publication to send you a copy.
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
John Doe
Tel: 800-000-0000
Email address
Kit Home Company Incorporates Natural Disaster Plan For Faster Production
As new home owners scramble to survive in a struggling economy, finding a decent, well constructed home becomes increasingly critical. One company provides tools for survival amidst major competition and economic swag.
Irving, TX February 07, 2006 – Most home markets are challenged in today’s struggling economy. One national and international kit Home company has discovered a vital tool designed to help them survive and edge out competition.
All Kit Homes has developed ways to help home owners survive amidst pressures from the economy, natural disasters and major competitors. The company provides a new practical natural disaster plan which saves 20% - 40% construction time without delay.
Each unit is constructed in a controlled environment. Each home is assured with a great level of quality control with only 19% moisture by the time it arrives on the construction site. This construction technique also eliminates the cost of on-site theft and vandalism. Bulk purchasing abilities have been developed to reduce costs, and this savings is also passed to the home buyer. Costs are further reduced because there are no wasted materials likewise on conventional job-sites.
"Our homes are much different from other homes. They are basically built the same by any other contractor, but with well constructed high quality materials in a factory controlled environment," says David Edwards, President of All Kit Homes. "The method we use has no tolerance for error, and this revision allows simple and fast erection, thus reducing the site costs."
Purchasing a total pre-constructed package significantly cuts exaggerated local labor costs and reduces the time required for completion. This lowers construction loan costs and allows the home to be sold, or moved into more quickly.
Hand built items cannot logically be competitive, cost wise with assembly line style material. The more time saved the more dollars saved. Time is money. Furthermore, the home which is factory constructed, the less local labor, which in turn is cost prohibitive in some areas.
All Kit Homes can be built as duplexes, condominiums, apartments, offices, etc. "Our normal delivery time is two to five weeks depending on size of home, and after receipt of fund verification," says David Edwards. "This allows sufficient time to prepare the home site and have the foundation ready when your package arrives."
Obviously, quality craftsmanship, energy efficient and reduced per square foot cost are major factors. However, today's consumers demand something more than dull, rectangular living modules. They demand contemporary design, eye appeal, and luxury. We are proud to say that these kit homes, not only meets this demand, but also exceed these requirements.
About All Kit Homes. All Kit Homes is a national and international distributor/contractor of High Quality, Affordable, Custom Panelized Homes - Shipped World Wide.
For more Information Contact:
John Doe Manager
Tel: 800-000-0000
email address
web site address