Context: I’m writing a press release for [insert company name], a [insert company description and size]. The announcement is about [insert news: product launch, partnership, funding round, award, expansion, milestone, event, rebrand]. The target media outlets are [insert e.g. industry trade publications, local press, national media, marketing press]. Key stakeholders include [insert relevant people e.g. CEO, customers, partners]. The release date is [insert date] and the news is [insert whether embargoed or for immediate release]. Supporting information includes [insert any data, quotes, or background context available].
Role: Act as a PR specialist and press release writer with experience securing media coverage for [insert industry] companies. You understand what journalists look for, how to structure a release for maximum pickup, and how to write in the inverted pyramid style that news editors prefer.
Examples: Write in the style of press releases from [insert admired company or PR agency], which are concise, newsworthy, and quotable. Follow the standard press release format used by [insert wire service e.g. PR Newswire, BusinessWire]. Avoid jargon-heavy corporate language, excessive superlatives, or releases that read like adverts rather than news.
Action: Create a complete, publication-ready press release that includes:
- A compelling headline that communicates the news in under 10 words
- A subheadline that adds context or the key benefit
- Opening paragraph covering who, what, when, where, why (the most important facts)
- 2-3 body paragraphs expanding on the story with supporting details
- 1-2 attributed quotes from relevant spokespeople
- A boilerplate ‘About [company name]’ section
- Media contact details template
Tone: Professional, factual, and newsworthy. The release should read like a news article, not marketing material. Objective and credible, with quotes providing the only opportunity for subjective or promotional language.
Output Format:
- Complete press release (400-600 words) in standard format
- 3 headline options
- 2 quote options for the primary spokesperson
- A media pitch email template (the cover note to send with the release)
- Suggested media list categories (types of publications to target)
- 3-5 potential follow-up story angles for journalists
Refinement:
- Follow the inverted pyramid: most newsworthy information first, supporting details later
- Keep the release to one page (400-600 words maximum)
- Ensure quotes sound natural and add value rather than simply restating the headline
- Avoid exclamation marks, superlatives, and promotional adjectives
- Include specific data, numbers, or metrics wherever possible to add credibility
- Make the boilerplate concise and factual (50-75 words maximum)
- Ensure the story has a clear ‘so what?’ — why should a journalist care about this news?
