A press release is a document that you send to a journalist to "inspire" them to write an article in their newspaper, magazine or website.
Here is an
example of a press release.
An article is usually commissioned by a journalist and is a much longer and comprehensive document. Some journo's take offence when articles that they have not commissioned are sent to them. I have rarely seen a randomly submitted article make it into a respected media outlet.
Here is
an example of an article. (one of our newsletters that a magazine asked if they could use and run in their mag).
Here are some links and tips guides that I think would help you:
A
step by step guide on how to write a press release.
Some really
good tips from a journalist on what they want to see in a release.
Finally, this article explains
why journo DO want to hear from you.
Also, just to add... the sell in is vital. You can have the best, or worst, written press release in the world but it is the phone call to the media following up the release that can make it.
A really good press release can get you a few good mentions or articles just by emailing it, but coverage levels can go through the roof for the same story when you do the follow up ring a round.
Hope this helps.