GETTING STARTED:

1.) Write “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” and indicate the DATE for the release at the top left of the page. At top right of page, list name and phone number of CONTACT PERSON. Use organizational LETTERHEAD if appropriate.

2.) A short but attention getting TITLE should state the subject of your release.

3.) Begin the first paragraph by writing the name of the PLACE from which you are reporting in capital letters followed by two dashes. This is relevant when reporting from a specific field location.

TIPS ON TEXT:

4.) The LEAD SENTENCE must concisely say only the MOST ESSENTIAL FACTS of the release. Save secondary elements and lengthier information about place and organizational names for later sentences.

5.) Use ACTIVE VOICE rather than passive. Example: “Anti-sanctions activists counter sue us government” as opposed to “U.S. government was counter sued by Anti-sanctions activists”.

6.) When announcing an event, include the TIME, DATE, PLACE, PARTICIPATING GROUPS, and REASONS for the action EARLY in the release.

7.) Limit the LENGTH of the release to ONE PAGE double spaced if possible. Define the basic 2-3 POINTS you want to make and avoid extraneous information. If longer than one page, write -MORE- centered at the bottom of the page. Your release should never be longer than two pages. You may include additional pages of background material if helpful, but they should be clearly separate from the press release.

8.) KEEP SENTENCES SHORT. Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.

9.) Avoid “buzz words” and aim for a SIMPLE VOCABULARY.

10.) Don’t exaggerate information. Make it INTERESTING.

11.) Try to obtain at least one QUOTE. Mention support from well-known people and organizations if appropriate.

12.) Write so that your first paragraph could be used directly by a news editor and subsequent information could be cut from the bottom up. LESS IMPORTANT INFORMATION belongs in the LATER PARAGRAPHS of the release.

SIGNING OFF:

1. End your release by including a DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION.

2. Finish by putting -30- centered at the bottom of the page.