How to Write a Simple, Effective Press Release for Your Organization

Need to get the word out about an event or happening in your club or organization? Want to announce your candidacy for a local political office? Here are easy to follow tips for preparing a press release or announcement for the local media.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Word Processor or typewriter
• Recipient address(es)

Instructions

1. At the top corner of your release type "For further information contact", then list the name, title if appropriate, postal address, phone number, and email address for the person who can provide additional information.

2. Center a catchy headline that sums up your announcement. "Exchange Student from Mars to Speak to Foreign Affairs Club", "Garden Club Rakes in Cash at Fund Raiser for Weed and Seed Program", etc.

3. Include the what, when, where of the event in the first paragraph. Keep the most important information in the first paragraph. If there are specific requirements such as for reservations, etc., make sure they are noted.

4. Add more details in the next couple paragraphs. Work from the most important information to the less important. A newspaper needing to cut your announcement due to space limitations will simply cut what they need from the end. Keep your announcement to less than one page if possible.

5. If you include a photograph use one that will print well in the paper. Don't use photocopied pictures.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the message simple

• Keep it reasonably short

• Double-check to make sure you have included the what, when, where info, and that the contact person's information is correct.

• Remember, if the newspaper needs to cut the length to fit their space they will not rewrite your announcement, but will simply cut what they need from the end so have all the really important information at the beginning.