Does your book need a press release?

What exactly is a press release? And do I need one for my book?

A press release is a short – usually 1 page – news “story” about your book. It’s written in a journalistic style with the most important information in the first paragraph. Less important information is in subsequent paragraphs, so it can be cut to fit as a newspaper editor sees fit. If a publication wants to do a story about you and your book, they could use the press release as is or they could tweak it or cut it. You’re actually doing some of the reporter’s job for them and making it easier for them to run a story about you.

Press releases can also be distributed online through PR websites. Some (depending on whether you pay for distribution) are sent to publications or are just posted on their website.

And, yes, you should do one. Here’s why: