General Newspaper writing advice: Put the most important information FIRST. Don't be clever Make the paragraphs very short. Single space with an extra line between paragraphs (it helps if the paper uses scanning devices) or double spaced, still with that extra line. Get a quote in the second or third paragraph. It's okay to quote yourself as there will not be a byline. NO more than TWO PAGES long. If they want more they'll call you and ask.
From here on editorial directions will be in blue. Material inside Parentheses, is where to insert your own personal information.
Make sure your Contact Information is a the very top and is accurate.
Your Name Your Phone Number
Address Your E-mail address
Your Fax
Image Information comes next:
Cover art may be downloaded from www.ebooksonthe.net or www.cambridgebooks.us
larger images and/or a photo of the author is available by e-mail from (your publisher's e-mail) or from (your e-mail address)
Caption: (Type the photo caption here EXACTLY as it should appear.)
Release date comes next: important if you want all papers to publish on a certain date and are sending out releases early, or you can just say:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Give them a sample headline: (Local author publishes book)
YOUR TOWN— (Your Name) has a new book out, (Your Title), just released by (Publisher's Name) that is, available (Name of local bookstore, or internet site where book can be purchased).
(Tell a little of what the book is about. Short sentences, short paragraph, a sales pitch to make the reader want to know more.)
"(I am just so thrilled to have this published)" said (Your Name.) "This story has always been important to me because (fill in information on why you wrote the book).
Tell more about the book, research, how you got the idea OR why people shoud read it.
The publisher (fill in name) is a small press located (where). (If you are a Cambridge Books or Ebooksonthe.net author, you may add the quote in the next paragraph, or contact me for a more personal comment. If not, contact your own publisher for a quote.)
"We are very proud to have published (your title) by (your name)," said Arline Chase, publisher. "We are a small company and choose our books carefully. We only publish work from writers we feel are talented and have a lot to offer."
(Add a SHORT paragraph here with information about your other writing, or other titles you may have available)
(Your Name) enjoys meeting readers at book-signings, speaking to local groups (at the library, community college, clubs, etc.) about her work, and may be contacted through her website at (website address) or by e-mail at (Your email address.)
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