If you are interested in having your organization’s news or event noticed at The New York History Blog, be sure to send a press release following these simple steps:
1. Focus on a single subject. Keep press releases to one subject – a lecture series, a single event, exhibit, or conference.
2. Be sure your press release is complete. In at least three paragraphs describe the what, when, where, and why of your event. Always include a paragraph describing your organization that includes a URL to your website, the location, hours, and admission fees. Spell out acronyms.
3. Write press releases journalistically. The best press release is one that the media can reprint verbatim. Provide an easy-to-use, ready-made story. Write your press release to read as though you were a reporter. Avoid unnecessary hyperbole and never use all caps, italics, bold, or other strange formatting except where grammatically correct. Avoid exclamation points and rhetorical questions. Avoid “you” in favor of “participants” or “visitors”.
4. Include photos. If you don’t have at least one photo, find a relevant public domain image, or send along your logo. ALWAYS include a caption with the source for your image. Send images as a jpg.
5. Provide enough lead time. Send your event notices two weeks in advance. If you are sending a late announcement be sure to indicate the event date in the subject of your e-mail.
6. Consider sending a flier or poster for social media. In addition to a press release consider creating a flier or poster for use with social media such as Facebook or Twitter. Send your poster as a jpg.
Send your press release and photos in a single e-mail to The New York History Blog editor at [email protected].