[YetiAndy]

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.

[3DCommunications UK]

Also, to get an article commissioned, pitching is also required, I have found that suggesting relevant feature ideas can help build a rapport between yourself and the journo.

Keeping a good track on magazines forward features list will help for ideas on what to pitch.

Andy is spot on with the sell in, (of course!) but never start with: "did you receive the press release I sent...."

I usually open with: Hi (journo Name) just calling to find out whether you required any further info with regards to the (your product/story/etc)

If they have read it, it will jog the memory, and gives you the opportunity to persuade them further to cover your info.

if they genuinely haven't read/recieved it, it gives you great chance to personally pitch your story. (and then follow up with the press release - and then another reason to call up and have a chat)

Its important also no the right time to call, if you catch a journo on deadline, it will be a waste of your time and theirs.

[Carbon Neutral Copy]

Lots of good advice here, Sal .

Vicky

[sally]

It's wonderful advice, thank you very much everyone.

Now am off to the supermarket to see if I can pick up a few more hours in my day

Next question, how do you find the right journalist on a paper to send a release to? I tend to look for relevant papers online and the contact us generally has email releases to news@ourbigpaper.co.uk. or editor@ but then I get emails saying thanks have passed it on to this person but they never give the new persons email address so I next time I send something I have to make the same blunder again.

Andy is the headline about the Grant Theft Auto game meant to have a typo? Not sure if that is a PR thing or what.

[Venka]

Hi,

Very often if you know the name of the journalist, you can 'guess' the email address. For example the name of the journalist is Joe Bloggs @ sunday times, I would guess the email address to be joe.bloggs@sunday-times.co.uk or joe_bloggs@sunday-times.co.uk

If you do get the email address wrong, you should receive a notification so you can make some further guesses then.

Hope this helps.