Tips for writing a news release
Avoid handwriting – type your release
Put your contact details on it
Use double spacing
Leave reasonable margins and print on one side of the paper only
Number the pages. Put –more- at the bottom if more pages follow and –end- at the end of the text
If you want members of the public to contact you include your details in the release. If you have contact details just for journalists include them after the word –ends-. Make sure the person you name will be available once the release has gone out!
Spell numbers one to ten. For 11 and above, use numerals
Accuracy – spelling and punctuation must be perfect. Get someone else to check it!
Include an attention-grabbing headline to introduce the story
Be succinct. Keep releases to one side of A4, two at the most
The first paragraph is the most important. It should put the story in a nutshell and sell the idea to a journalist. It should answer the questions Who, What, Where, When and Why
In subsequent paragraphs include relevant quotes and any figures and statistics
Include the most relevant information at the beginning as editors cut releases from the bottom upwards
Notes for Editors can be added after main release as a subsection. You could give brief details of your setting
If the story refers to other organisations make sure they approve the release and show them a draft copy
Using photographs
Including a photograph with a press release always increases the chances of publication and helps the story stand out from others on the page. For example, if you extend your provision to include a breakfast club, a picture of a child with a ‘smiley sausage’ for a mouth would work well. Children and adults dressed up or shown with their artwork would be appealing.
Put a full caption on the reverse of the photo in case only the photo and not the story gets published. Name the people pictured from left to right and add a caption e.g. a sponsored teddy bears’ picnic was a great success this week at Smarties Nursery. Pictured L-R with children from the nursery are John Smith (parent), Fred Bloggs (MP for Anytown), Jane Brown (Smarties Nursery Manager), Samantha Green (chair of Anycounty Sure Start).
The picture must be clear and focused with the subject centred and prominent in the photo. Sometimes newspaper printing can be poor quality and a poor photo will be hard to make out. If you use a digital camera the resolution must be at least 300 dpi. If you employ a professional photographer include a credit on the photo. Photographers can be hired by the hour, for the whole or part days.
Written permission must be obtained from everyone who appears in a photograph. This must state that they give permission for their image to be used. They must be aware of where the image will be used. Where children are included obtain consent from the parent or guardian.