Skip to main content

Writing & Syndicating a News Release: How to Avoid DIY Mistakes

news release published in the Oconto County Times Herald Newspaper

Before I burst into content marketing as Wonder Writer, I was the Clark Kent of Oconto Falls. Working as a managing editor at a community newspaper, I gained valuable experience in the art of writing a news release that gets editors’ attention. I know from experience that editors like neat, complete news release packages that are easy to format for their publications. A news release written to industry standards is much more likely to get an editor’s attention than a sloppily written, incomplete news release. News releases are powerful promotional tools for businesses and nonprofits. They reach a broad audience and cost nothing to publish. Plus, the business or nonprofit submitting the media release controls the message, ensuring accuracy.

Increase the Odds of Publication

Although businesses and nonprofits certainly can prepare and disseminate their own media releases, working with a professional writer has its advantages. The first advantage relates to familiarity and credibility. Since opening Writer to the Rescue in 2019, I have developed professional relationships with the editors at numerous media outlets. Editors now recognize my name and email address. They know that I’m a credible source of information for community news and events. Because they know, like and trust my writing, the editors are more likely to open my emails and publish the articles I submit. Like many of us living in the digital age, editors receive a ton of junk mail. Unless they recognize the sender’s email address or read a compelling subject line, they might discard the email without a second thought.

Leverage Editorial Experience

As a former newspaper journalist, I know editors are looking for worthwhile, readable news stories. They aren’t looking for salesy, overblown advertising pieces. That’s a big turn-off. The best news releases balance editorial writing with marketing content. Editors are more likely to accept and print articles that are high on the news angle and low on promotion. Readers prefer this blend of writing, also. One more thing about news stories versus advertising. Advertising can cost a lot of money, but news releases are free to publish. News outlets publish media releases at no cost. Media releases are like free advertising!

Syndicate Widely to Reach More Readers

A second advantage of partnering with a professional writer for news releases relates to syndication. Professional writers compile an accurate, comprehensive list of email addresses for local, county, and state publications. They also develop lists of industry-specific contacts. Plus, they know the email addresses of the local Chamber of Commerce and other business associations. Instead of sending a news release to just a handful of contacts, professionals disseminate news to dozens of contacts. As a result, a media release has the potential to reach a much broader audience.

Partner with a Professional Writer

There are many advantages to partnering with a professional writer like Writer to the Rescue for news releases. Professional writers develop relationships with editors, and the added credibility improves the odds of publication. They also maintain extensive email lists for broad syndication. Lastly, professional writers understand what editors prefer in terms of content, formatting, length, readability, and images. I highly recommend partnering with a professional writer for media releases. For less than $100, the Wonder Writer will spread the good news about your new product, business acquisition, industry or community award, or another milestone. Contact Writer to the Rescue today to get started.

A Second Grandchild: Love and Joy Multiplied

second grandchild Leander with author, Joan

What’s better than becoming a Grandma for the first time? The second time around! Our second grandson, Leander, was born in July to our daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Tyler. While I was overwhelmed with worry when our first grandchild, Walter, came into the world, I was much more relaxed for his little brother, Leander. Mom and Dad were more relaxed, too, because things were much easier the second time around. What a relief for all of us! Holding a newborn baby is a rare joy, and when that newborn is your grandchild, the joy is multiplied.

Witnessing God’s Love at Baptism

For our family of faith, baptism holds special meaning. We were so excited to welcome Leander into the Catholic faith as a beloved child of God. What a blessing for Bill, Will, and me to play music and sing at his baptismal Mass at Holy Rosary Church in Mellen. The organist who played at big brother Walter’s baptism three years ago retired, and the parish switched to acapella singing. Singing acapella at Mass is a lot like a playing a high school football game without the pep band. You miss out on the spirit and energy. We were grateful to lead the congregation in song on that Sunday morning.

Falling In Love with Our Grandson

I don’t think Leander was listening to the music at his baptismal Mass, but he sure listens to the songs I sing to him now. One of our favorites is “Could I Have this Dance,” an Anne Murry song that I danced to with Leander’s Grandpa Bill. It’s the same song I would sing to our kids when they were babies. The song has a calming effect on me and on them. I sang “Could I Have this Dance” and danced around the living room with Leander while Mom and Dad were at the Easter Vigil Services. My favorite line of the song is, “As we swayed to the music and held to each other, I fell in love with you.”

A Love That’s Second to None

Grandkids are so easy to fall in love with. At 9 months old, Leander is smiley, happy, and fun to be around. He’s crawling and standing by furniture, getting ready to take his first step and speak his first words. Soon he’ll be off chasing his older brother and chatting a mile a minute. I’m so glad to be a part of his life. He may be my second grandson, but my love for him is second to none.

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms and grandmothers.