Format & Style

Your release should conform to the writing style and basic structure of news stories as reported by the agency to which you are sending your release. In addition, you should follow the Associated Press (AP) or United Press International (UPI) style guide (available from major booksellers), or, preferably, the style guide of the specific publications, if available.

Generally you should:

• leave some white space at the top of the release (for editorial notes)
• double or even triple space the release
• provide name, address, & phone number of the business on the release (letterhead is best), as well as the phone number of a contact person (office and home or cell)
• provide two dates: the actual date the release is sent, and the date when the release is cleared for use: "for immediate release" or "May 25 - p.m. edition"
• double check for accuracy.