Press Release Samples for your use

Press Releases are sent to newspapers and contain stories the newspaper should be able to print "as is" with minimal editing and proofreading. You will want to use these only as a guide for constructing you own information. Make sure you include at the top some basic information:

Your full name
Mailing address
Phone (use a number where you can be reached during the day; multiple phone numbers are helpful along with cell, home, and a fax number if available)
Date - the date you want the information released (if it is "now" put in "For Immediate Release" - if not, put "For Release after ___(date)___".)

Also: Consider how your Release will look as a newspaper article. Give it a headline, enclose any artwork or photographs if they are necessary to the Release, and make sure you answer all of the "who, what, when, where, how, etc." information in the Release.

Typewritten - The newspaper won't even read a handwritten Release. Whether prepared on a typewriter or PC, make sure your copy is double spaced with lots of margin (the idea is to give the Editor plenty of room to pencil in edits and comments onto your copy.)
Pagination - if your copy is more than one page, put a page count on each and every sheet (page 1 of 3 pages, etc.)
End - at the end, clearly indicate the end. A common abbreviation for "the end" is three number (#) symbols.

SAMPLES

Here are a couple of press releases you can tailor for your needs. (The first one is the actual press release we sent out to local newspapers.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Joel McPherson McPherson Enterprises, LLC

Tel: 321-000-2606

Fax: 321-000-2606

Email: jmcpherson8@cfl.rr.com

Web: http://www.breathminder.com

WOMAN FINDS INVENTIVE SOLUTION FOR PRACTICING STRESS-REDUCTION BREATHWORK

Merritt Island, Florida, April 10, 2005 — “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” is a new motto for this Central Florida housewife. She couldn’t find anything on the market to fill a need, so she found a factory to create it.

Janice McPherson learned that better breathing habits lead to better health. Breathing fewer times per minute but with larger air volume has helped her reduce stress and avoid anxiety.

On a hectic day, however, she forgets to breathe properly. She gets “lost” in the day’s distractions and needs a simple reminder to practice proper breathing skills. The result is a tiny device with a silent alarm that is easy to operate, inexpensive, and doesn’t attract unwanted attention.

Janice and her husband were inside their home in Miami when Hurricane Andrew destroyed the house. “I had problems with stress and anxiety before the hurricane,” Janice said, “but since then, I have had serious problems with panic attacks and stress.”

Janice learned that regular diaphragmatic breathing reduces the frequency and intensity of her panic attacks. “More relief than (she gets) from support groups, therapy, and medication,” she claims.

“I’ve been taught that breathing from the diaphragm, rather than shallow ‘chest breathing,’ promotes everything from stress reduction to better digestion. I learned that 97% of the body’s energy is produced in an air-enriched state (aerobic energy,)” Janice explains. “Plus, 70% of the elimination of body waste is through breathing, so I began to understand the importance of breathing correctly and regularly.”

“I also learned that people only use 20% of their lung capacity,” she continues “but you can increase that air volume if you breathe properly. I’ll get focused on something and an hour can go by and I haven’t taken a deep breath or stretched or a sip of water or anything. I know I feel better when I do my breathing, but I don’t always remember.” That’s when she started using kitchen timers, wristwatch alarms, and even her cell phone as reminders.

Persons with anxiety disorder do not want to attract attention, so loud alarms and bulky devices present a problem. While some timers can be muffled, they’re often complicated to program and most reset when handled.

“With my husband’s encouragement,” Janice found a manufacturer willing to modify a device to her exact specifications. After testing them on her support group members and friends, Janice is convinced that her little creation is a big help. “It’s like having my own training partner or a very persistent coach,” Janice says.

The minimum order from the manufacturer was so big she now has “a lifetime supply of them and Christmas presents forever,” Janice quips. To share what she has learned about breathing “and maybe get rid of a few thousand of these things,” Janice has launched a web site for her little breathing reminder at www.breathminder.com.

# # #

Press Release

Joel McPherson

address info

phone info

For Immediate Release

MILLIONS SUFFER PANIC ATTACKS

Anxiety Disorders torture an estimated 20 million people but many must suffer in private. Known also as “panic attacks” or Agoraphobia, the effects can range from a mild feeling of dread to a crippling fear.

Whatever the effect, millions do not venture from the safety of their home. Some sufferers have a disabling fear of leaving their house or being with other people. A common fear for the Agoraphobe is a fear of standing in lines. Some cannot even walk out to their mailbox, venture into public, or drive a car. The afflicted person can also feel that they are "going crazy."

Loved ones often find it hard to help with these unfounded fears and the panic episodes can be quite alarming. Feelings of bewilderment fear of having a heart attack, feeling the need to escape, and fear of not having enough air can be quite common. Many often feel quite alone, as they do not realize that millions also suffer from it.

In recent years, research groups have done much work in this area. Treatment is available and groups and clinics have been created to tackle the problem. Many find relief in just knowing that they have fellow sufferers. Several good books have been written on the subject and relaxation tape recordings are available, many with exercises for achieving calm.

Persons interested in learning more or those wanting to join a self-help group may contact P.O. Box 542223, Merritt Island, Florida 32954-2223.

# # #

Contact: Karen Brown (555) 343-3333

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

General Hospital Establishes Anxiety Support Group for Latinos

WHAT: The Walnut Tree General Hospital is starting a support group for Latinos with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

WHERE: Walnut Tree Latino Cultural Center 34 Main Street Walnut Tree

WHEN: January 5, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. Future meetings will be held the first Monday of every month.

WHY: The Walnut Tree community has more than 3,000 Latino residents of which more than 800 are estimated to suffer from a Social Anxiety Disorder. This disorder can include Phobias, Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, Panic Attack, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD,) and Agoraphobia.

WHO: The Walnut Tree General Hospital is starting this free support group.

Registration is suggested by calling Karen Brown at (555) 343-3333.

# # #

Page last modified October 6, 2007

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