The toughest thing about writing a news release is getting started. But writing doesn't have to be hard. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you beat writer's block.
Before the story, think about:
? audience. who do I want (or expect) to read this? What do they want to know? What do I want them to know?
? "gatekeepers." These are usually the editors who will decide if they will use your story. What kind of story do they normally use? How long? Style?
If you just can't get the first word down on paper, here are some things to try.
? Talk to someone about your story. Listen to yourself. Write the story like you told it. You can always rearrange sentences or paragraphs later.
? Go through your notes. Star the things you think are most important. Then try to start a story with at least one or two of those important things in the first sentences.
? Write the headline first. Then make sure your first paragraph or two says essentially the same thing as the headline.
? Try being childlike. How do kids tell a story? They blurt it out, getting to the point fast with plenty of action verbs.
? Plagiarize, sort of. If you see something written that you like, borrow the idea, but not word-for-word. I'm especially talking about borrowing ideas of style.
Now you have the tools to bust writer's block. Get write to it.
About the author: Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR, http://www.hoover-ink.com. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Duke Energy, Levolor, North Carolina Tourism, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX and Verbatim.
As you start getting more media-savvy, you'll find yourself coming... Read More
The most important thing to remember for any interview: stay... Read More
To survive in business, you've got to focus your attention... Read More
Everyone is talking about the Ps of successful marketing, so... Read More
Can you honestly say that your business, non-profit or association's... Read More
Imagine you're in the breakfast cereal business. You make the... Read More
Just about anyone who has been in the public eye... Read More
You are a senior business, non-profit or association manager. So,... Read More
You thought of it, you researched it, you wrote it.... Read More
Let's start out with a caution for business, non-profit and... Read More
There's an old African proverb:"If you think you are too... Read More
A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on... Read More
Anything that lets managers achieve their managerial objectives is a... Read More
Layout1. 1-2 pages in length.2. Double-space.3. 1.5 to 2 inch... Read More
WHITE NOISEA client recently told me about a fascinating new... Read More
Individual financial planners can outscore bigger competitors and gain market... Read More
Almost assuredly you do, especially when your most important external... Read More
For business, non-profit and association managers, is it publicity that... Read More
A press release is often your only chance to make... Read More
A musician spends years honing his craft. He writes world-class... Read More
Many people are intimidated by radio interviews, whether live or... Read More
Often the first point of contact the media has with... Read More
Are you working as hard as you can in your... Read More
1. Appearing in other types of media is the best... Read More
Always ask, "Is now a good time?"Deadlines in journalism are... Read More
You know that getting publicity is vital to the health... Read More
How to write a press release that generates free publicity... Read More
When a reporter is wowed, intrigued, surprised or captivated by... Read More
Receiving free advertising is the dream of most business people.... Read More
Let's start out with a caution for business, non-profit and... Read More
The easiest way to meet city council members is to... Read More
Imagine you're in the breakfast cereal business. You make the... Read More
?2004 Jeffrey DobkinSixty dollars doesn't go a long way in... Read More
The reason might be this simple: as a business, non-profit... Read More
Another way to really become known in your area is... Read More
A press release is often your only chance to make... Read More
Every organization has issues that could affect its operation. The... Read More
The right kind of PR, that is, the kind that... Read More
?lose the confidence of your key target audiences? discourage them... Read More
As the year starts to wind down, many businesses and... Read More
To get someone's name in the newspaper or a product... Read More
Sorry about my otaku with this issue (otaku = more... Read More
I define public relations failure this way:key audience perceptions are... Read More
Because good public relations can alter individual perception and lead... Read More
Have you ever noticed how the same people's names always... Read More
Do you dream of being on Oprah Winfrey's television show?... Read More
When most people think of media relations, they think of... Read More
Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain... Read More
China's media is booming creating opportunities for marketing-savvy businesses. But... Read More
Ain't a gonna happen unless business, non-profit and association managers,... Read More
Public Relations |