Make no mistake—press release writing is a specialized skill. However, that doesn’t mean that the skills I’ve acquired from years of writing press release don’t carry over to other forms of writing that I do. Writing press releases has absolutely made me a better all-around writer. How?
- The more I write, the better I get—There’s something to be said for “practice makes perfect.” When you’ve written hundreds upon hundreds of press releases on just about every topic you can imagine, you build up your writing muscles. I’ve gotten quite adept at coming up with interesting story ideas, finding the right words to tell these stories in the most interesting and effective way possible, and editing and proofreading my work to come up with a quality finished product.
- I’m a better editor—Speaking of editing and proofreading, these skills get much sharper when you write a lot of press releases. Spelling and grammar do still matter for press releases, and as a writer, you have to take pride in your work and do everything you can to make sure it is mistake-free.
- I strive to get more from every word—Editors and reporters have a short attention span. They get flooded with press releases all day long, and they don’t have the time to read through all of them word for word. That’s why it’s so important that you learn how to say more in fewer words. Press release writing teaches you to make your words count. It teaches you how to cut the fluff from your writing.
- I’ve learned to capture attention without relying on cheap hype—I just mentioned that reporters get bombarded with press releases all day long. After a while, all of these press releases start to look the same. That’s why it’s important that you find a way to make your press releases stand out. They have to grab the reader’s attention, but because they are press releases, they can’t use cheap, fake hype to do so. Press release writing truly teaches you how to write in an interesting manner.
- I think like a publisher—When you write a press release, you should always be asking yourself if anyone else would care about your story. It forces you to think like a publisher. As a result, you end up, hopefully, writing better stories with broader appeal. This is a skill that can be invaluable in all forms of writing.
What are some other ways that press release writing can make you a better all-around writer? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
This article is written by Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases (https://www.ereleases.com), the online leader in affordable press release distribution. Download a free copy of the PR Checklist – a 24 point list of Press Release Dos and Don’ts here: https://www.ereleases.com/free-offer/pr-checklist/