How to Write a Press Release for a College Seminar

Writing a Good Press Release

• 1

  Read a variety of press releases before attempting to write your own. Visit the website Publicity Insider to read press releases from PR Newswire and for tips on formatting the release. ( See References 1 and 2)

• 2

  Decide on the newsworthiness of your college seminar. Is there anything that makes it stand out? Perhaps you will be revealing some new research for the first time. Or a famous professor is giving a series of seminars at your college. Perhaps the seminar is dealing with an unusual, highly topical or sensitive subject that will attract the interest of newspaper editors. Once you have your news "lead," write a strong headline that engages the reader and tells him what your release is about, and then write your introductory paragraph. Make sure you answer all the main question words: what, where, when, why, who and how. Your first paragraph acts in the same way as a news story's first paragraph. It must include all the most relevant information including the title of the seminar, when it is taking place, who is talking, and why people should attend. (See References 3)

• 3

  Add a quotation to make the press release lively; news editors love them. An interesting and relevant comment from the college's dean or an interesting main speaker will add sparkle to the release.

• 4

  Add details to your release in a few short paragraphs. Keep your writing tight and eliminate all redundant words; avoid the overuse of adjectives. Try to keep the release short; one page is better than two, as editors are busy people. If they want more information they will contact you. For that reason, add full contact details to the end of the release, including relevant email and website information. (See References 4)

• 5

  Include photographs if you have them. You can direct news editors to a website where they can download photographs if desired, or refer them to an email contact for photographs.

• 6

  Include some information about the college at the end of the release but before your contact details. Don't forget to include all important details about the seminar here, such as where to register.