Issuing a press release for a new book is a no-brainer. Word needs to get out! And a press release is one of the best ways to spread the word broadly, to every kind of media. Here are some basics to keep in mind, whether you’re crafting your own release or having Believer’s Press do it for you.

1. Know your audience. In this case, your audience is news editors and reporters, not your readers.
2. Keep it factual. Too much opinion up front doesn’t appeal to news writers. Give them objective reasons to take interest.
3. Make it newsworthy. Determine why your topic is relevant to the culture and something that the media will want to report. Include that in your lead (opening) paragraph and/or headline.
4. Cover the bases. Editors and reporters need to see the basics up front. Also in your lead paragraph(s) include who, what, when, where, why, and how.
5. Write from the outside. Press releases are always written in third person.
6. Give a taste. Whet news editors’ appetites for your book with an excerpt of a few sentences from the book or a quote from the author – you – that makes them want to call you for more!
7. Keep it short. Brevity helps you hone in on what is most important to communicate. One page is enough for news editors or reporters to know if this is a story they want to pursue. Keep it to 400 words.