Get Write To It

The toughest thing about writing a news release is getting started. But writing doesn't have to be hard. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you beat writer's block.

Before the story, think about:

? audience. who do I want (or expect) to read this? What do they want to know? What do I want them to know?

? "gatekeepers." These are usually the editors who will decide if they will use your story. What kind of story do they normally use? How long? Style?

If you just can't get the first word down on paper, here are some things to try.

? Talk to someone about your story. Listen to yourself. Write the story like you told it. You can always rearrange sentences or paragraphs later.

? Go through your notes. Star the things you think are most important. Then try to start a story with at least one or two of those important things in the first sentences.

? Write the headline first. Then make sure your first paragraph or two says essentially the same thing as the headline.

? Try being childlike. How do kids tell a story? They blurt it out, getting to the point fast with plenty of action verbs.

? Plagiarize, sort of. If you see something written that you like, borrow the idea, but not word-for-word. I'm especially talking about borrowing ideas of style.

Now you have the tools to bust writer's block. Get write to it.

About the author: Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR, http://www.hoover-ink.com. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Duke Energy, Levolor, North Carolina Tourism, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX and Verbatim.

---

She Who Has the Gold...

?makes the rules, of course.But when the gold takes the... Read More

How to Get Some of Paris Hilton?s TV Time

When your book is mentioned on television, sales go up.... Read More

Internet Etiquette for Business Success

You're trying to recruit a downline into your program, you've... Read More

Can Media Coverage Build An Online Business? You Bet It Can!

As someone with expertise in media relations, I've been asked... Read More

Managers, Which PR Is Right For You?

An effort built around a string of print and broadcast... Read More

The Three-Mile Radius

In last year's animated film Shrek II, a giant gingerbread... Read More

How To Share Your Success Story Without Sounding Like You Are Bragging

A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on... Read More

Asian Media Relations: Increase Your Profile and Image in China

China's media is booming creating opportunities for marketing-savvy businesses. But... Read More

Writing A Press Release

News releases (also called press releases) are an important part... Read More

Building Credibility Through Bylined Articles

As if making sure your company runs smoothly on an... Read More

Time Your News Release For Maximum Publicity

"Cindy, where's that story? I need it yesterday!""Coming right up,... Read More

Passing the PR Bar

The public relations bar, should such a proficiency measure ever... Read More

Dont Do This to Your News Release!

Hundreds of thousands of News Releases are sent out all... Read More

Inoculate Yourself Against Bad PR

What is bad PR?Well, if you're a business, non-profit or... Read More

Nows The Time To Get Christmas Media Coverage

Publicity seekers know that Christmas can provide a bonanza of... Read More

Managers, Have You Been Shortchanged?

You have been if you're a business, non-profit or association... Read More

There Is No Such Thing as Competition

A wise friend of mine has often said, "There is... Read More

Dont Pay for Radio Interviews

It used to be that all you had to do... Read More

Public Relations: The Fundamental Premise

It seems difficult to believe at the dawn of the... Read More

Transparency in Online Transactions

In these days of every increasing demand and competition, there... Read More

If I Were Coaching You

If I were coaching you as a business, non-profit or... Read More

Put Yourself in the Reporters Shoes

Imagine you're the technology reporter at a daily newspaper. You... Read More

How To Write A Killer Press Release

One of the primary tools still used by PR professionals... Read More

Media Training - Essentials for ALL Office Professionals

Often the first point of contact the media has with... Read More

How Video Production can be used in PR

At the core of any successful public relations campaign is... Read More

Financial Planners Get Free Publicity With Email

In previous articles for marketing-minded financial planners, I've discussed what... Read More

Right PR Empowers a Manager

Business, non-profit and association managers are in a stronger position... Read More

How To Create A News Angle

Think of a triangle. On the left, imagine the story... Read More

How To Write More Powerfully For PR, Offline And Online

Years ago when my Dad owned a group of local... Read More

Getting Articles Published - Eight Steps for Trade Publications

Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain... Read More

The Press Pack Is Chasing You - Give Them Room

There's good news for public relations execs, marketing professionals and... Read More

Creating Event Magic through Planned Video Production

Once upon a time, there was a young, stressed out... Read More

Public Relations

The wind of changes...The digital world has changed the form... Read More