Anatomy of a Press Release

Proper release formatting is important. Writers and editors must process a lot of information quickly and the format below allows them to do that. We've dissected a sample release to highlight the important parts. Review and formatting of your release is included at no charge with our PF Wire.

1 - A standard introduction for a press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 - Who to contact for more information. 
Include address and phone number.
Contact: 
The Made in New York Store
373 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca, NY 14850-8758
Contact: Michael Turback, (607) 277-0300

3 - Succinct title that entices the reader.
MADE IN NEW YORK STORE ANNOUNCES SELECTION AS ULTRA-COOL SHOPPING SITE

4 - Begin with the location and date, followed by an introduction covering all major points.
Ithaca, NY — The Made in New York Store. An on-line department store based in Ithaca, New York, has been selected by coolshopping.com as an “Ultra-Cool Shopping Site,” and one of the first 400 sites on the net to receive the coveted designation. Made in New York is the only store whose every item is produced or manufactured exclusively in New York. Its address on the internet is www.newyorkfirst.com

5 - A quote by a company representative adds credibility to your release
“In the restaurant business it would be the equivalent of a 4-star Award by The New York Times,” says Michael Turback, Made in New York Store President, and himself a former restaurateur.

6 - Include information about why this event is newsworthy.
In order to be selected for this prestigious award, a business has to have a minimum of 50 reviews on record with an average rating of 8 or better on a 10 point scale. The Made in New York Store has over 300 reviews with a 9.43 overall rating. That puts the store in the top 100 online in customer satisfaction. The Made in New York Store is in good company. The elite group of sites with top ratings includes Bloomingdales, Fortunoff and Martha By Mail, the shopping site of Martha Stewart Living.

7 - Conclude with further contact information
For more information about The Made in New York Store visit the web site at www.newyorkfirst.com or phone 1-800-581-7599.

8. The standard ending for a release.
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