I just stumbled upon an informative article about free press release sites - not just a list of press release sites, but which are effective, as well as templates for writing a press releases including a template for a book release announcement.
What is a press release? Press releases announce news to the media. Wikipedia says "A news release, press release or press statement is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value."
Something that I didn't understand right away was that press releases are not for our readers; they're for the press. Therefore, press releases are not a creative writing exercise. They're supposed to be newsworthy.
What is a press release? Press releases announce news to the media. Wikipedia says "A news release, press release or press statement is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value."
Something that I didn't understand right away was that press releases are not for our readers; they're for the press. Therefore, press releases are not a creative writing exercise. They're supposed to be newsworthy.
Here's the article I found very interesting: Free Press Release Sites - 2013 Test Results. FREE is a big word to us writers on a shoestring budget. So is our time. Hopefully this article will help us maximize both our time and money in marketing our books.
This PR*Urgent is a free press release site and listed in the above mentioned article. Visit their Submit A Press Release Page to get more info on submitting to them. Press release writing help and downloadable templates are on their Press Release Help Page.
If you have more experience with press releases or if you've found this post helpful, please comment below and share your thoughts and experiences!
Thanks!