Plan the content for your press release. Some questions to consider are: Who or what will the press release be about? What newsworthy bits of information do I have to report? Who will read and use this release? Why should the media publish parts of this release? Be sure to answer the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why -- and How. After you have a decent idea for the structure of your press release, you can begin writing it.
Open a new Microsoft Word document. Be sure to include the date of your release. Many releases use a dateline -- the city where the action takes place -- in all caps. For example: "HOLLYWOOD -- ". Use a catchy headline that also matches the content in your press release.
Consider what is newsworthy for your press release. Here are some topics that could be newsworthy:
An artist's performance schedule and venues.
A recent award.
An artist's recent work for charity, a nonprofit organization or the community.
News that may be negative, including arrest, divorce, a dispute and business decisions that affect the artist.
A new album, portfolio, book or exhibit.
A new website, Twitter feed, Facebook fan page and other social media developments.
Endorsements, which have limited news value.
Timely comments about current events, including remembrances of industry leaders.
Include a short biography and a recent photo -- usually a head shot. Add links to the artist's official website and social network pages. Also provide your main contact information, such as an email address and telephone number, so members of the media and other parties receiving your release can contact you with questions.
Save your press release to your computer or laptop. Convert your Word document into a PDF file by choosing "Save As" then selecting "PDF" in the "Save as Type" pull down menu. Your press release is now ready to be posted on any website. Send as an attachment with email or pasted in the body of the email. Note that many news organizations do not open attachments because of problems with viruses and spam.
Post your digital press release on the artist's website. If you do not have a category for media information, make one. Call it "Press Room" or "In The News" or "For The Media".