How to Write a Press Release

Published on November 16, 2013

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At HolyCulture.net we receive hundreds of submissions weekly.  We delete about half of the submissions due to poorly written press releases.  They are either too short to take seriously or too long to read.  Most of the press releases are unprofessional (written like a blog), irrelevant to our media outlet or incomplete and missing critical information.

In this post we will outline exactly how to write a professional press release that will not only get our attention at HolyCulture.net but the attention of major media outlets.  But for the sake of clarity let me first define press release.  A press release is an announcement issued to media outlets that is newsworthy and relevant.  In our case, it is the announcement of a new album release, music video, event, etc.

Let’s start with some basic things to consider.

    • A press release should NOT be longer than one page.  As I mentioned earlier if the press release is too short, media outlets will not take your news seriously.  If it’s too long, your announcement will likely be deleted.
    • A professional press release is written in the third person.  It’s easy to read and flows from one paragraph to the other.  Do NOT add information that is not relevant to the announcement. Keep the news clear, complete and concise.

THE LAYOUT

The press release should consist of a headline, the announcement about three paragraphs long (four at most), contact information and an image.  At HolyCulture.net news including audio or video files receive a lot more love.  Also, consider highlighting talking points.

THE HEADLINE

The headline is the title of the press release and describes what the news is about.  It needs to be clear, descriptive and concise.  Here are a few examples of excellent headlines on HolyCulture.net:

    • “World Vision artist Rawsrvnt rejoins THE STORY Tour with Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, and Matthew West”
    • “Rapper Ja Rule talks about how Hillsong changed his Life”
    • “Marthe De La Torre Reveals Album Cover and Announces Debut Worship Album “Preludes”, Releasing September 20th, 2013”

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

The press release should consist of three paragraphs, four at most.  And don’t forget, the announcement should NOT be longer than one page.

The opening paragraph should expand on the headline.  Include details about the announcement.  The first paragraph is critical in capturing the reader’s attention.  (Review the first paragraph of the press release below for an example.)

In the second paragraph include facts about the announcement.  Share specific details to describe the news more fully. Add quotes, statistics, awards, etc. to build credibility towards your audience.  (Review the second paragraph of the press release below for an example.)

The third paragraph should summarize the announcement.  Include a call to action.  Also, point the readers to your website and social media networks. (Review the third paragraph of the press release below for an example.)

If you add a fourth paragraph, include biographical information.  (Review the fourth paragraph of the press release below for an example.)

THE EXAMPLE

Your press release should look something similar to the example below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Local Artist to Release Debut CD at Hard Rock Cafe”

Nashville, TN – January 19, 2013 – Mars Hill Music has entered a partnership with Tooth & Nail Records / BEC Recordings to share the variety of worship bands coming from Mars Hill Church. Located in Seattle, WA, Mars Hill Church is home to 35 worship bands such as Citizens, Kings Kaleidoscope, Ghost Ship, and The Modern Post. On February 12, Tooth & Nail Records / BEC Recordings will release the Mars Hill Music Worship Sampler, a compilation of worship songs as an introduction to bands featured at the church. Click below to see an intro video on Mars Hill Music.

These bands have all reached top positions on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart with previous EP releases, including The Modern Post’s Grace Alone EP, which also reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and the Top 20 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart. The Mars Hill Music Worship Sampler will feature fresh, musically diverse takes on traditional Christian anthems as well as original songs sung at the 14 Mars Hill churches dispersed across four states in the U.S.

Coming March 12, Mars Hill Music’s first full-length release will debut, featuring Citizens. The band’s self-titled LP follows the debut EP Already / Not Yet, which climbed to the top position on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart. This record will feature a fresh take on hymns as well as original songs. Click here or below to hear the first single “Made Alive.”

Citizens is a high-energy indie rock worship band born in the heart of Seattle’s University District. Citizens has quickly built a reputation for their dynamic hymn arrangements and high-intensity anthems. Zach Bolen leads the band with visible emotion and a passion that stems from a desire to see everyone worship Jesus as Lord. Citizens has performed at major events such as Catalyst One Day, Creation Festival and Resurgence conferences.

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Contact:
First & Last Name
Web Address
Email Address

THE END

Hope this post is helpful.  If you have questions or suggestions leave them in the commenting section below.  Now go submit a professional press release on HolyCulture.net here.  Grace & Peace.

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