4.1.15.4 Writing a News Release
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This article is from the Table Tennis (Ping Pong) FAQ, by ttennis@bu.edu with numerous contributions by others.
4.1.15.4 Writing a News Release
Remember: Who, what when, where, why. Try to get all of these points in
the first sentence or two of the story. Then fill in the details with the
following paragraphs. Each succeeding paragraph should be of declining
importance - the "inverted pyramid". This allows the editor to easily cut
from the bottom of the story if his space is limited.
Use short words. Write short sentences. Write short paragraphs. Be
brief. Usually two double-spaced typewritten pages will get the job done.
Forget about adjectives. Spell out numbers from one to ten, and use
numerals from 11 up. Never begin a sentence with a numeral. Check all
names, dates, times, and places for accuracy.
Keep in mind that a news story is not a free advertisement. Don't leave a
number for the sale of tickets. Don't menton door prizes, raffles, or
lotteries in newspapers that travel in the mail as this is prohibited by
federal law.
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