Press Release Writing

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by gvannorman, Nov 11, 2009.

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  1. #1
    I offer content services to other users on DP and so far have been fairly successful with the service I provide. This leads to the question I was asked today. Can I write press releases? I have never done so, so I am not familiar with how they are formated or written.

    The client supplied a video for the release that was supposed to be all the information I would need. I watched it 3 or 4 times and Im still confused. I have informed him that I am unable to complete the task. Now, I am willing to learn how. What I would like is some guidance.

    If your a experienced press release writer please pm and let me pick you brain a little. It will help me increase my skills in an area that I would love to offer to my clients.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    gvannorman, Nov 11, 2009 IP
  2. Ken_Caudill

    Ken_Caudill Peon

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    #2
    Pick up the AP Stylebook from Amazon or somewhere. It's essential.
     
    Ken_Caudill, Nov 11, 2009 IP
  3. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #3
    If you know nothing about press release writing, you definitely shouldn't be taking on those projects. A lot of people claim to be press release writers these days, and they know nothing about it (basically churning out generic articles thrown into a press release template). Even if the client's okay with it (they often don't know much about press releases in the beginning either), those kinds of releases can do more harm than good for the client, turning off journalists and making them look like spammers.

    I have a free e-book covering some of the basics of press release writing for the Web up at ProBusinessWriter.com (I used to run a PR firm specialized in online PR, and still take on a lot of PR writing in general). However, it's not going to turn you into a qualified press release writer -- it's more to give the DIY small business owner types some basic guidance.
     
    jhmattern, Nov 12, 2009 IP
  4. DreamingBig

    DreamingBig Well-Known Member

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    #4
    I have thought about doing press release articles myself but I don't have any experience in them. They are hard to do and I wouldn't do it without the right person guiding you. I have been lucky enough to find a person that will help me in that area and I hope that you experience that same luck :)

    Hmm....that eBook that jhmattern's put up looks like something I am going to look at and review :) (thanks)
     
    DreamingBig, Nov 15, 2009 IP
  5. gvannorman

    gvannorman Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Thanks jhmattern I declined the job. I as a writer take pride in each article that I produce so I would never want to generate low quality for anyone of my clients.
     
    gvannorman, Nov 17, 2009 IP