Press Release Guide

Here's an easy-to-follow 'pyramid' guide to writing a simple press release for a local event.

The first paragraph is a straight forward encapsulation of the main newspoints, and this can usually follow the traditional Who? What? When? Where? Why? format. This is so the busy newseditor can understand your story in the shortest possible time to fudge whether it's interesting or not.

Obviously, if there's anything celebrity, first or unique about your story this is where that information also goes.

Second and subsequent paragraphs are an expansion of the information in order of importance (this is so the story can be edited for length at any point and still remain a complete story).

Releases should be written in the third person singular, with sentences double-spaced, and also allowing a decent margin on the left hand side. Make sure the release is dated and has a contact number where you can actually be reached, keep the headline informative and short.

N.B. the accepted phrasing is that funds are being raised for The Teddy Charity, which buys medical equipment for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses being nursed at home.

If a journalist requires further information about the Teddy Charity which is not covered on our website please refer them direct to us.

Please also note that these release guidelines are for your local event; any Teddy Charity policy or other statement can only be issued by the charity itself.