Story Pitch	Press Release	Calendar Release
Send to: Electronic & print media Format: Tight, simple phrases and short sentences EXAMPLE WHO: Farmington Area Founders Festival, and Farmington auto dealer Bob Saks. WHAT: The announcement of an exciting new event introduced at this year's Farmington Area Founders Festival WHEN: Wednesday, June 8, 12:30 p.m. WHERE: Bob Saks Dodge, Grand River and Drake Road, Farmington WHY: Over the past 40 years, the Farmington Area Founders Festival has always offered three full days of crafters, entertainment and great food, all in and around downtown Farmington, Michigan. This year, a spectacular Wednesday night kick-off event will add another opportunty for the community to come together to celebrate our heritage. Exciting details will be made available at the press conference. CONTACT: Joni Hubred-Golden, 248.568.0581	Send to: Electronic, print & new media Format: Brief, to the point, complete, detailed information, multiple contacts EXAMPLE NOTE: My client put a long and short version of this press release, along with a brochure and other information, to work when she contacted local newspapers. Her persistence paid off - her product was profiled in a community bi-weekly newspaper, a daily newspaper and a specialty parenting magazine. Home-schooling mom creates new learning tool (A headline summarizes your story in a very few words.) Koobekee blocks help kids learn numbers, colors (A sub-headline adds a little more detail and builds interest in the complete story.) Pontiac, Michigan - July 12, 2006 - (Press releases may end up buried on an editor’s desk. Adding a dateline keeps the story in perspective.) J----- A-----’s five year old son had worked through his counting bears. Her three year old needed something to help him catch up on the basics, after working hard to overcome a speech delay.    A-----, a Michigan mom who homeschools both boys, went looking for new ways to teach colors, numbers, sequence and pattern. And what she found was a dream she’d had for many years.   “I always wanted my own business,” said A-----, married for 10 years to a retired military veteran. “I wouldn’t have come up with this if I’d have been able to order it.” (It’s perfectly acceptable to quote yourself in your own press release - make yourself sound good!)   “This” is Koobekee, a set of educational blocks that help kids ages 2 and older learn to recognize and match colors and numbers, to follow and create patterns. What makes Koobekee unique is that no two blocks are alike. A---- hand paints each six-sided block, with a different color on each side. Numbered sets look like dice; none of the blocks have the same combination. That was a very purposeful decision.   “I wanted to make sure they were challenging and educational for the child,” A----- said. “They can’t memorize the blocks.”    Once the blocks had been kid-tested, A----- had to choose a name for her sets, which include laminated pattern cards, activity suggestions and a sturdy vinyl carrying case. (In a full press release, you’ve got room to describe some of the benefits of your product or service, but keep it short and focused.) Koobekee is the phonetically spelled Russian word for “blocks”. A----- was born in Russia and emigrated to Michigan when she was just seven and a half years old. The family lived in Southfield and Rochester; she and her husband now live in the house where her husband was born and raised. (Is there an interesting angle to how you named your product or how you learned to provide your service? Summarize it to add interest to the release!)    Since she began going door to door with Koobekee, A----- has sold more than 40 sets. They take time to create; every set is carefully crafted with top quality materials and non-toxic paints. The blocks meet or exceed federal standards to prevent accidental choking.    “The sets really sell themselves,” A----- said. “When I go to day care centers that emphasize education, they really get it.” Learn more about Koobekee blocks by visitng www.koobekee.com or calling A----- at 248-xxx-xxxx. (Always close with an invitation to learn more.)	Send to: Electronic, print & new media Format: Who, what, when, where, why and how. EXAMPLE Make a mosaic memory Families (who) are invited to make a "Mosaic of Memories” at a special class (what) offered this December and January (when) at the Jewish Community Center (where). Noted artists will help families create an heirloom mosaic seder plate that will be cherished for generations to come (why). Cost is $45 per family for two sessions approximately two hours each, Dec. 11 and 18, Jan. 15 and 22. Classes are limited; reservations are required by Nov. 20. Call 248.xxx.xxxx to reserve your spot. (how) Still rather have a professional handle your press releases? Call 248-568-0581 or send an email to joni@jonihubredgolden.com Learn how newspaper editors think and what they like to see. Learn how to make more effective media contacts. TAKE ME BACK CONTACT TAKE ME HOME