Can Anyone Write and Send Out a Press Release?

Yes. Anyone can write and send a press release. There's no licence, no membership, no PR degree required. A solo founder, a bakery owner, a non-profit volunteer, a student robotics team — all fair game.

The real question is whether it'll be any good. Here's the beginner's guide.

What you need

• Real news. Something new, timely and relevant to someone outside your organization.
• The facts. Names, dates, numbers, locations, links.
• A spokesperson. Someone who can speak to media if they call.
• A media contact. Name, email and phone that actually get answered.
• Photos. High-resolution images you have the rights to share.

The basic format

Press releases follow a familiar structure, which helps journalists find information fast:

1. "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" (or an embargo date)
2. Headline — clear and specific
3. Dateline — CALGARY, AB — Month Day, Year
4. Lede — first paragraph covering who, what, when, where, why
5. Body — more detail, most important first
6. Quote — a human voice
7. Boilerplate — "About [your organization]"
8. Media contact
9. ### — signals the end

The lede is the most important part. Learn to write it in What Are the 5 W's and H in a Press Release?, then grab our ready-made layout in Press Release Template: What You Actually Need.

How to send it

You've got options:

• Email it directly to relevant journalists, pasted into the body with a short personal note
• Post it on your website's news page
• Share it with community groups, associations and your network
• Pay a newswire to distribute it more widely

Most beginners should start with the free options. Here's where: Where Can I Submit a Press Release for Free?

The rules to follow

Not legal rules so much as professional ones:

• Be truthful. Every fact must be accurate.
• Get permission. Don't name partners, customers or employees without their okay. Don't quote someone who didn't approve it.
• Respect privacy. Especially for minors, health information or vulnerable people.
• Respect copyright. Only use photos and logos you have rights to.
• Mind anti-spam rules. In Canada, CASL governs commercial electronic messages. Personal, relevant emails to journalists about news are standard practice, but avoid mass-blasting lists you bought — and check the rules if you're unsure.
• Public companies have extra disclosure rules. If you're publicly traded, talk to your legal or investor relations team first.

Beginner mistakes to avoid

• Sending news that isn't news
• Attaching a PDF instead of pasting the text
• Emailing every journalist in the city
• Writing like an ad
• Following up five times

Should you DIY or get help?

If your news is simple and you're comfortable writing, give it a go. If the stakes are high or you want real media coverage, help is worth considering. We break that down in Should I Write My Own Press Release or Hire Someone?

The bottom line

Anyone can write a press release. Not everyone writes one worth reading. Get clear on your news, follow the format, tell the truth and send it to people who care. That puts you ahead of most first-timers.

Quick FAQ

Do I need to be a company to send a press release? No. Non-profits, community groups, artists, authors and individuals send releases all the time. What matters is the news.

Is it okay to send my first release to just a few reporters? Yes. A handful of well-matched reporters beats a huge list. Quality of fit matters far more than quantity.

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First press release? Make it count. Blastily helps first-timers write, place and amplify their news. Start your Blast at blastily.com.