Insider Secrets to Press Release Magic with Diana Ennen - live event archive - Page 3 - Virtual Assistant Forums

micarter · #31 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009

I know it has been 2 years since you last wrote this but wanted to thank you for this thread. I have been dreading writing my Press Release and after reading this completed it in just a few minutes. I guess I just need you to jog my brian alittle, give me focus. Thanks again!

Karen Roth Ridder · #32 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009

Yes, I agree with Mary. It's just AP style. The only time that's broken is when there would be two people in an article with the same last name. Like if you were interviewing a husband and wife for a story, then to distinguish between the two you would have to use a first name for quotes. Plus, it might bother you, but OConnor is a nice name, and not cumbersome for anyone reading it.

Karen Roth Ridder · #33 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009

By the way, I also found this interview very helpful. As someone who has been on the other side (a journalist) I know that press releases have to be unique or they will get trashed. I also know that if you live in or near a smaller market, or if you can find a trade publication that specializes in the type of industry you want to work in, you will probably have more luck getting exposure. Diana is right, it truely is all about finding a unique angle for what you do, which is actually pretty easy, because this is a unique field, growing and totally newsworthy.

BobbiHunter · #34 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009

"You have your release, what next? ... PROOF, PROOF, PROOF and Proof again. If you're release goes out with typos, even the most awesome release won't get the attention it deserves. I normally put mine away and come back to it. It's clearer then."

I love this and you have included a LOT of wonderful information. I have truly learned a lot. I just wanted to point out that you may want to fix the above YOU'RE to your. I don't know if these posts can be changed or not... a bit new to them, but thought I would let you know just in case.

I love proofing... : )

Thank you again for the fantastic information.

Bobbi

DianaEnnen · #35 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010

Hi

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! Karen, it's so good to hear too from a previous journalist. I learn so much by talking with journalist, following them on Twitter, going to their Twitter Chats, etc. It's kind-of like getting in their head about what works and what doesn't.

You know it on the Proof / Proof. Could you tell when I was talking there that it was one of those "been there, done it moments." Especially if you write press releases for clients, it just hurts (badly) when you find the release online and see a typo you made. Especially if you've already submitted it out. OUCH!!

Thanks!! Again, if you have any questions, let me know. Glad to help.

Diana Ennen
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

CortneySellers · #36 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010

Originally Posted by DianaEnnen

Hi

You know it on the Proof / Proof. Could you tell when I was talking there that it was one of those "been there, done it moments." Especially if you write press releases for clients, it just hurts (badly) when you find the release online and see a typo you made. Especially if you've already submitted it out. OUCH!!

You know a good way to catch these things? Read your copy BACKWARDS. Your brain causes you to glance over things if you read it normally, but backwards will cause things to stick out.

Cortney

WorkingWithYou · #37 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010

Thanks so much for posting this. I was asked to do my first press release a couple of months ago and had to do online research to know where to start. Had I known about this forum, I would have been able to do this with a lot less effort.

Janet

ProBusinessSolutions · #38 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010

Thanks so much for posting this extremely helpful information!

emrobbins · #39 (**permalink**) 09-23-2010

Thank you so much for this information. I was going to make a real mistake and not worry about doing one...until I came across this thread and really started looking into exactly what a press release is and why I need to make writing one a priority.
Best,
Elizabeth

VAbyNellie · #40 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011

This was extremely helpful! I am going to spend the next few days in writing an exciting and interesting press release. Thanks for the tips!