tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267500122011-12-14T18:40:50.046-08:00Writing a news release is a key skill for writers and anyone looking to raise their business profile. Her's what you need to know to create a press release that really worksBrampton Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449478425849530473noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26750012.post-1145735992413555642006-04-22T12:58:00.000-07:002006-04-22T13:01:55.310-07:00Freelance writers are often asked to write press releases. Press release writing is a key skill which allows writers to publicize their own services or promote someone else's. Here's what writers need to know about writing press releases.<br /><br />What is a press release?<br /><br />A press release is essentially a <b>news </b>story written to interest a specific publication or audience. It consists of three main parts: the headline, the introduction and the body. There may also be a note to editors at the end of the story which contains extra information for those not familiar with your organisation or product.<br /><br />As with a news story, the lead is crucial. It should answer the who, what, where, when and why questions, right from the start. The press release should sound like a news story, with short sentences and paragraphs. Your story needs a clear angle, and no loose ends.<br /><br />How do I decide what to put in a press release?<br /><br />News is essentially about people, so writers should stress the people aspect of the story.<br /><br />Four other techniques writers can use are:<br />controversy - examples could include attacking a government decision, making a prediction about the future or suggesting a new policy<br />conflict - examples include price cuts, fighting for an elected office or a battle for market share<br />novelty value - describe a coincidence, a chance event or a surprising statistic.<br />empathy - show how your product can help the reader, a survey on issues that concern people, provide tips to handling a common problem.<br /><br />A successful press release should be:<br />relevant to the people it is sent to<br />focused: that is, correctly targeted<br />timely: fitting in with the publication deadlines of the organization you’re sending it to<br />readable: if it bores the person who does the initial read, the chances of getting it published are slim<br />presented in the right format.<br /><br />Most of all a press release should be <b>news</b>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Sharon Hurley Hall is a freelance writer, ghostwriter and editor. Sharon worked in publishing for 18 years, writing articles and editing and designing books and magazines. Sharon writes on <a target="_new" href="http://www.inspiredauthor.com/WritingBusiness/Freelance/" rel="nofollow">freelance writing</a> for InspiredAuthor.com and publishes a <a href="http://www.writingup.com/blog/sharon_hurley_hall" target="_new" rel="nofollow">freelance writing advice</a> blog. For more information or to contact Sharon, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.doublehdesign.com/" rel="nofollow">doublehdesign.com</a>.<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Hurley_Hall" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Hurley_Hall</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26750012-114573599241355564?l=news88press.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Brampton Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07449478425849530473noreply@blogger.com0