As a staff writer for two magazines, I receive a plethora of Press Releases every day.
I can tell you some grab my eye immediately and some I never open. So what is the secret?
First of all let me answer the question: Do Press Releases have value?
The immediate and short answer is “Yes.”
The longer answer is:
- Press Releases are a great way to shout out an accomplishment
- Press Releases can open doors for interviews
- Press Releases can gain you new followers and fans
- Press Releases offer a way to reach many with one click
So, what is it about these Press Releases that prompt me to open or delete them?
The first thing I watch for is relevance. I write for music magazines, so a press release about a new company opening down the street will not get my attention (unless it is a recording studio or music store).
That is the number one point I’d like to make. If you are considering sending out a Press Release about an award you received for a book, don’t send it to a publication that only specializes in politics (unless your book is about politics). You wouldn’t want to send your press release to a publication that only does music reviews (unless your book is about music.) I’m sure you get the idea.
In my case, if the press release I receive is not about an artist relevant to Texas or Oklahoma, I delete it.
The headline of the press release is the next most important aspect to me. It can make or break the effort. A boring headline won’t prompt me to open it, but an excited, energetic headline will draw me every time. I’ve even opened Press Releases that I knew had no relevance to me just because of the compelling subject title. They made me want to know more. That is probably the single biggest challenge for anyone writing a Press Release.
Here is a formula that might be useful.
If you can get them to open it, you at least have a 50-50 chance of some follow-up action.
Since my book of short stories, “Two Shorts and a Snort,” won the Grand Prize in the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB 90-day Alpha/Omega Beginning to End Short Story contest, I will be sending out press releases locally and statewide.
Here is my headline for local media:
Local Indie Author wins the Grand Prize in an International Short Story Challenge
And for statewide media:
Texas Indie Author wins the Grand Prize in an International Short Story Challenge
Then, in the body of the ONE page Press Release, I can give more details. To me, the draw in the headline is three things – One that I am a local author, two this was not a local contest and three I am an indie author.
What are your thoughts? Have you sent Press Releases in the past? Did you get any results? I’ll keep you posted as to my results. I’ve had a good response in the past, getting two newspaper features and a TV appearance.
In the meantime, if you haven’t yet picked up your copy of “Two Shorts and a Snort,” here is the purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Shorts-Snort-Jan-Sikes-ebook/dp/B07DY8FSWL/
Awesome share, Jan! Thank you. Cheers to you and all the amazing work you’re doing. 🙂
Thank you, Natalie! I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
I just finished Two Shorts and a Snort last night and enjoyed it very much. Working on the review. Good information on press releases. I have used them and must say they work well.
Thank you, John! Please feel free to add any other tips about your own Press Releases that have been effective. I’m glad you enjoyed the short stories!
😀
Congratulations Jan and thank you for the info about press releases. That’s an area I could definitely use some help with.
Thanks, Mark! I’m glad you enjoyed the PR info. Thanks for stopping by!
A wonderful post, Jan! Thanks for all the tidbits and ideas about press releases. I’ve never sent any out, but there are several local publications in my area, and I really should give it a try. Thanks for sharing and congrats again on your award!
Yes, you should, Mae! Your new release is a perfect time to give it a try. Good luck!
Thanks 🙂
Really interesting stuff. I’ve never tried this, but maybe I should. Who would be interested in a fictional musician…
Maybe not in one book in particular, but the genre you tend to write in. I would think your spooky stories would make an interesting “local” story closer to Halloween.
Interesting. Thanks.
I can see the Headline of your PR, Craig. Local Indie Writer adds Spook to Halloween!
Jan- WOW!! I learned a lot here. You gave me a lot to think about.
Hope you’re having a great week.
Thank you, Tonya! Hope you have a great week too. Hugs!
Good information Jan:) You make a good point of what to send out and to who. How exciting you are sending out releases for your award winning work! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Best of luck.
I will give an update after they are sent out. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, Denise! Hugs!
Hugs back!