|
|
Read the entertainment section of many newspapers and/or magazines to see what they are publishing and how the articles are written. This is likely where your press release about your music event will go. What types of words do they use and which articles keep your interest? Who is their target audience and what kind of stories appeal to them? If there is a connection to another newsworthy event then your press release may become a human interest story and become published in another area of the paper. ex: Buskers Band with Homeless to Raise Awareness
City papers have a larger reader area but don’t discount your local ‘town’ paper. If you have an event that is newsworthy AND you can articulate that, then your press release may have a better chance of being accepted in your small town paper. (Less competition and if you’re performing there, then you are news!) If your next tour is small town Canada, then send your press releases to the local town newspapers on your tour. Send it out by fax, or email a week ahead. If snail-mailing, add a couple extra days. {Oh, and think ahead - while you are on tour pick up publications and make a note of editors, and contact information for the future.}
After you research where the best media fit is, for your music event, make a list of the editors to forward your press release. You will use this list many times but you only have to compile it once.
Why not magazines? If you have a great story related to your music, it could be a fit for a magazine with a corresponding theme? ie: Women’s magazine, Environmental, Wedding, Sports, or other special interest magazines. Folk music: Penquin Eggs < http://www.penguineggs.ab.ca/> Blues Music Real Blues Magazine There are lots out there so do your homework, write your press release and send them off to the editors.
How to Write a Press Release:
The format
1) Use an easy to read font like Times New Roman (basic print font) 12 pt. Double spacing is preferred. Word count 400 words or less. Avoid exclamation marks. Make the words exclaim on their own.
2) At the top of the regular size page include:
- the date and “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"
- all your contact information. Name, Address, Phone Number, Email and Website
- followed by a catchy Headline, typed in capitol letters. This should stir the reader to continue. If your headline is dull the editor will likely not read on. Ex: Singer Songwriter Releases New CD About The Environment OR New CD Promises to Save The World
Remember to include your phone number. There are times when a well written press release may lead to an interview or a full length story about you and your event or project.
The Body of Your Press Release:
It’s time to really ‘dress’ up your press release.
1) Write it in third person (using "He" or "She" instead of "I").
2) Pretend you are the journalist and write it like a news story. The first line or two, like the Headline, need to be punchy, catchy so the reader wants to find out more. What is the main message of your press release? Include all the answers to the main journalistic questions: Who, Where, What, Why, When and How. Name the city, and province. Web links are not usually accepted so stick to phone numbers and e-mail.
3) Find a ‘hook’ – what is special about your tour, cd release theme, record deal, or connection to an organization / fundraiser. Do you have a unique talent(s), a famous player in your band, etc. “Home Town Boy Plays Nashville” Find a hook!
4) Don’t spend your words on colorful adjectives. Remember you are writing like a journalist not a novelist. A quote from a famous person relevant to the event is a better hook than the overuse of descriptive adjectives. Oh, and make sure you have permission for the quote.
Summary of Press Release
1) Close your press release with a line or two that summarizes the event. Include a line:
“For more information” contact number, email and /or website.
Now your readers can find out more information and follow up on your great event!
End of Press Release
1) After the last word of your press release type ### (or three pound symbols) This will let the editor know that the press release has ended. If this symbol is missing they may try looking for another page.
2) VERY IMPORTANT : Have two people proofread it. This is vital to ensure accurate spelling, grammar and that you haven’t left out important information.
Photos
Where ever possible, include a high resolution photo. (on disc or email) Again, choose a photo that is interesting or emotive. Ex: You with a famous person involved with the event.
Type ‘photo attached’ on the press release on the top of the page and in brackets add the names of subjects.
If the photo deserves credits (ie: a photographer took the photo), then their name should be mentioned as well.
SAMPLE Press Release :
January 1, 2007
For Immediate Release
photo attached (disc)
Paul McCarthy and Calgary Sally at Global Warming Environment Rally
Photo by Lawrence Chrismas
For more information, contact:
Sally Songwriter
Deerfoot Drive
Calgary, Alberta, T4T 2FT
Phone (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Fax (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Email and or Website: www.youhavetohearme.com
HEADLINE (BOLDED AND CATCHY)
BODY: This is so catchy you are stuck like a Prairie boy’s tongue to a metal snow shovel in January.
And now you know what it’s all about including all the juicy detail of who we are, when it is, why, what and how. Wow, this is so fabulous you are reading it twice. Look at you - clipping it out. Doesn’t this look great – all our details on your fridge door.
Summarize the press release and remember to include: for more information call or visit our website at www.youhavetohearme.com ### (this means end of press release, remember?)
Great Expectations? (more tips)
Don’t have any expectations that your press release will be printed every time. When it happens it is exciting. And valuable. If you are active in your career you will have lots to write about so there will be many opportunities even if your first few don’t make the editors pick. And as you get better at writing your press releases, you increase your chances of getting one published.
Keep your relationship with the editor on friendly ground. Don’t keep calling to see if they received your press release or why they didn’t publish it. Be patient. You are developing another skill and after all you are a writer, right?
Good Luck! And if you are listed with Calgary Songwriter.com, don’t forget to send us your press releases.
A list of Press Release Sites
How To Create A Media List
|
|
|
