How to Write a Press Release
Have news worth sharing? A clear, well-written press release makes it easier for editors to understand your story and determine whether it is a good fit for their readers.
Make It Easy for an Editor to Find the Story
A press release is a concise, factual announcement written for the media. It should quickly explain what happened, who is involved, where and when it is happening and why readers should care.
Prince William Living accepts local news for editorial consideration. A strong submission may be published online or lead our editorial team to follow up for a larger story.
Editors are looking for useful and interesting information for their readers. Focus on what is new, noteworthy or important instead of trying to sell a product or service.
7 Parts of a Good Press Release
Get to the Point
Write a clear, accurate headline that tells the reader what the news is. Interesting is good. Misleading is not.
Give the Place and Date
Begin the release with the city, state and date so editors immediately understand where and when the news originates.
Answer the Big Questions
Your opening paragraph should cover the most important who, what, when, where and why of the story.
Add the Details
Use the following paragraphs for context, useful facts, statistics and other information that helps readers understand why the news matters.
Let People Speak
Include relevant quotes that add perspective or information rather than simply repeating facts already stated in the release.
Explain Who You Are
End with a short standard description of your company or organization, including its mission and other important background information.
Tell Us Who to Contact
Include the name, title, phone number and email address of someone who can answer questions or arrange an interview.
A Few Things Make a Big Difference
Do
- Write in third person and use active voice.
- Use plain language that readers can understand.
- Keep paragraphs short and easy to scan.
- Include useful facts, names, dates and locations.
- Use quotes when they add something meaningful.
- Proofread names, spelling, grammar and facts.
- Include a relevant high-quality photograph when available.
- Make sure you have permission to provide submitted images.
- Include complete media contact information.
Avoid
- Writing the release like an advertisement.
- Using industry jargon readers may not understand.
- Writing long introductions before getting to the news.
- Using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS for emphasis.
- Making unsupported promotional claims.
- Submitting information without dates or locations.
- Sending photos you do not have permission to use.
- Leaving editors without a person to contact.
Simple Press Release Template
Replace the information in brackets with your own details.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Write a clear headline describing your news]
[CITY, STATE] ([DATE]) — [Organization name] announced [the most important piece of news]. Explain who, what, when, where and why it matters.
[Add important details and background information. Explain how this affects customers, residents or the community.]
"[Add a meaningful quote that gives perspective or explains why the announcement matters]," said [Name, Title].
[Include additional facts, dates, times, locations, registration information or other useful details.]
[Write a short description of the company or organization, including its mission, history and relevant background.]
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Organization]
[Phone]
[Email]
Submit Your Press Release
Have news about Prince William County, Manassas or Manassas Park? Send it to Prince William Living for editorial consideration.
Submit Your NewsHave questions before submitting? Read our News Submission FAQ.