Deb’s Update – Thanks for applying but I’m not accepting any more applications.
Hi Guys,
I know there’s lots of talent here so I’m putting out the feelers.
I, and several other professional bloggers, need short press releases written. We would love to hear from press release writers to see some samples of past press release writing and also receive a rate quote.
Now, my budget is small but I want to be fair (as do the other bloggers who are looking for a press release writer). I would also be willing to exchange a written press release for advertising here.
Please send rate quote and samples to: deborahng(at)gmail(dot)com.
Deborah,
I’ve been following the info. on press release writing. I have just a second this a.m., but wanted to add my piece: I’ve been doing PR (writing releases, contacting media) for, I hate to admit, twenty years now.
Getting in a magazine/newspaper, on TV or radio is not at all just about writing a good press release.
Often the media has their spam filters turned up so high that releases never see a pair of eyes. I just went through this with the Sacramento Bee.
To get decent to really good coverage, you need more than a well written release.
You also need someone committed who will do follow up on the project. Follow up means contact phone calls, individual releases written specifically for a certain pair of eyes and then a contact call etc. etc.
Ethically, I have a problem personally with writing releases, getting paid and then sending it out. I also stay committed to the project (ie. getting the info. into the mag, paper, on TV etc.).
Remember the editors get loads of releases every day — you’re a snowflake in a blizzard. It’s very important that you have someone do serious follow up.
To just throw a release out there won’t bring in much — unless you happen to be lucky.
Wendy
Wendy has a strong point. I too have been writing press releases (for 10-12 years now…lost track). Most of mine have been for non-profit organizations holding events or needing some good PR work in general. They had their fundraising co-ordinator or secretary do follow up calls within a day or two of the release being sent. I am in a small town and so it was a bit easier to get attention but to get into the city paper took a lot more work!
With that said, I love doing press release work for those groups ; can make or break how well the event does!
Take care all,
Catherine
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your input. For my particular release, I’m not looking to get on TV or in the news. However, I plan on doing all the sending out and follow up myself. I’m not good at writing releases and that’s where I need the help.
Well actually I’m about to close this job because I’ve been inundated.
But this is good advice for anyone looking to get into press release writing. Some writers might do well freelancing for publicists who don’t mind sending out the release and doing the follow up but need someone to handle the writing part.
Thanks for your insight! Good food for thought.
Hi Again!
Well, just one more point then. . . as a publicist I wouldn’t want to be “selling” a release that I hadn’t written.
Mainly because I’d know (or would think I’d know) how it should best be written.
Unless someone wrote an absolutely awesome press release and let me do the follow up. I don’t generally come across awesome press releases.
If you don’t want your info. in the media. . . where is it going to?
I’ll stay out of your hair! I just thought I’d finally say a word or two.
Wendy
Oh, wait a sec. Do you just need releases as samples?
As Rosanna would say, “Never mind!”
Wendy
One more thing to consider… Not all markets are the same. I live near Eureka California (one of the smallest media markets in the US) and around here it’s fairly easy to get coverage. I’ve seen press releases about rummage sales on the front page of a local weekly — in color no less.
I would guess that if you’re talking about a major market (SF, LA, or NYC)then it’s an absolute imperative for clients to find a PR person with a strong distribution network in that area.
Smaller communities are decidedly easier, though.
It all depends on the target audience, I guess.
Going through your note on press releases.You can count on me as well.I have been running a press release business for internet marketing.I will be happy to help you.Let me know.
Best Regards,
S ARaju