Formatting your press release

How you present your news is just as important as its content. Some of these suggestions are

Mixed case. NEVER SUBMIT A PRESS RELEASE IN ALL UPPER CASE LETTERS. This is very bad form. Use mixed case.

Correct grammar usage. Always follow rules of grammar and style. Errors in grammar and style affect your credibility. Excessive errors may cause your press release to be rejected by various editors.

No HTML. Never embed HTML or other markup languages in your press release. Your press release will be distributed over a wide array of networks. Including such formatting will negatively impact the readability of your press release and slow down the process as the AMEinfo.com editors will usually need to strip the formatting.

More than one paragraph. It is nearly impossible to tell your story in a few sentences. If you do not have more than a few sentences chances are you do not have a newsworthy item.

Summary paragraph. AMEinfo.com asks you to include a one paragraph summary. Some distribution points only receive your headline, summary and a link to your press release. If you fail to include a summary paragraph you may reduce the effectiveness of your press release.

Word processor. Write your press release on a word processor instead of composing online. Writing online will not achieve best results. Take time to do it right. Write, print, proof read. Rewrite, edit

Pictures and captions. Make sure you include a picture where possible - alternatively a company logo can be submitted. Images must be in JPEG format - and remember you are sending this by e-mail for publishing online so please ensure they are web optimized. When you do send images, make sure you include a caption for the image - either in a separate text file or as part of the release.

Do not include your e-mail address in the body of your release. Do not include your e-mail address in the body of your press release. We have a special field during the submission process where we include your e-mail address to guard you against spam as spiders routinely scour the Internet harvesting e-mail addresses for spammers. Provide your e-mail address only in the contact information at the end of your press release.