We are thrilled to have you send us your press releases. This form is easy to use and ensures we will have all the information to create a great story from your press release. The New Canaan Sentinel will not publish releases that disparage other people or organizations. Press Releases should be professional and civil in tone.
There is no guarantee that Press releases will be published. They will be edited and often used as a basis for a story. It is unlikely that they will be published verbatim although that does happen occasionally. All press releases should have a connection to New Canaan and should not be a sales pitch. We encourage you to include photographs, logos, and image.
If you need more direction, we have included a step by step guide to writing a great press release at the bottom of this page.
13 Steps to Writing a Great Press Release!!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing an effective press release:
Tips:
- Keep it concise: A press release should ideally be between 500 to 800 words.
- Use an inverted pyramid structure: Start with the most important information and then provide supplementary details.
- Avoid overtly promotional language. A press release should be informative and newsworthy, not an overt advertisement.
1. Define Your Goal:
Before you start writing, know the purpose of your press release. Is it to promote a product launch, an event, an award, a new partnership, or another significant occurrence? This will shape the content and tone.
2. Choose a Catchy Headline:
Your headline should be short, clear, and attention-grabbing. It’s the first thing people see and can determine whether they continue reading or move on.
3. Write the Lead:
The first paragraph should answer the 5 Ws: who, what, when, where, and why. This paragraph is vital as it summarizes the main points of the press release.
4. Develop the Body:
This is where you get into the details:
- 2nd and 3rd Paragraphs: Dive deeper into the story. Provide background information, details, quotes, and statistics.
- Subsequent Paragraphs: Offer supporting information, such as the history of the organization, background on the event or product, or additional quotes.
5. Include Quotes:
Quotes provide a personal touch to the press release, making it more engaging. Incorporate statements from key stakeholders, like company executives, experts, or customers.
6. Provide Relevant Details:
If it’s an event, include date, time, venue, and ticketing information. If it’s a product launch, offer specifications, pricing, availability, and where it can be purchased.
7. Use Simple and Clear Language:
Avoid jargon and complicated sentences. Your press release should be easy to understand by a wide audience.
8. Add Multimedia Elements (Optional but Recommended):
Include high-quality photos, videos, or infographics relevant to your content. Visual elements can make your press release stand out and can be used by media when reporting on your story.
9. Write the Boilerplate:
This is a standard description of your company that provides background information. It typically goes at the end of the press release.
10. Include Contact Information:
List the contact details of someone who can provide further information on the press release topic. This can be a PR manager, company spokesperson, or another relevant representative. Include name, phone number, email address, and company website.
11. Review and Edit:
Proofread your press release for grammatical errors and ensure all information is accurate. Have a colleague or editor read it as well for a fresh perspective.
12. Distribute the Press Release:
Share your press release with the New Canaan Sentinel.
13. Follow Up:
After sending out your press release, follow up to ensure they received it and see if they need any additional information.
By following this guide, you can craft a press release that captures attention and effectively communicates your message.