Ap Style Press Release Template

AP Style Press Release Template: Your Guide to Crafting Compelling Announcements

Writing a press release that grabs attention and gets your story picked up by journalists requires more than just exciting news. It needs to adhere to specific style guidelines, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and professionalism. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the AP style press release template, equipping you with the tools to craft compelling announcements that resonate with media outlets and your target audience. This includes not only the structural elements but also crucial tips for maximizing impact and securing media coverage.

Understanding the Importance of AP Style

The Associated Press (AP) style is the gold standard for journalistic writing. Its emphasis on accuracy, clarity, and brevity ensures your press release is easily understood and credible. Adhering to AP style demonstrates professionalism and respect for journalistic standards, increasing the likelihood of your release being considered and published. News outlets often prefer releases formatted in AP style because it streamlines their editing process. This means a well-crafted AP style press release significantly increases your chances of getting your story shared.

The Essential Elements of an AP Style Press Release Template

A successful press release follows a specific structure. While slight variations exist, the core components remain consistent. Let's break down each element within the context of AP style:

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This crucial line, placed at the very top, signals the release is available for immediate publication. No embargo date is specified.

2. Headline

The headline is your most important tool. It needs to be concise, informative, and compelling, accurately reflecting the core message. Use strong verbs and avoid jargon. Aim for a headline that's impactful enough to make journalists want to learn more. Keep it under 10 words if possible.

• Example: Local Bakery Wins National Award for Innovation

3. Subheadline (Optional)

A subheadline provides additional context or clarifies the headline. It's optional but can enhance clarity, particularly for complex news.

4. City, State – Date

This line provides essential logistical information. Use AP style for city and state abbreviations (e.g., New York, NY; not New York, NY).

5. Contact Information

Clearly state the contact person's name, title, phone number, and email address. Make sure this information is readily accessible for journalists wanting more information or follow-up questions.

6. Body of the Press Release (Inverted Pyramid Style)

The body is the heart of your press release. It follows the inverted pyramid style of journalism, presenting the most important information first and gradually moving towards less crucial details.

• Lead Paragraph: The lead paragraph is the most critical. It summarizes the entire story in one to two concise sentences, answering the who, what, when, where, and why.
• Supporting Paragraphs: Expand on the lead paragraph, providing details and context. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or aspect of the story. Use short, declarative sentences, avoiding complex sentence structures.
• Quotes: Integrate quotes from relevant individuals to add a human touch and bolster credibility. Attribute quotes clearly using AP style (e.g., "…," said John Smith.).
• Background Information (Optional): Include relevant background information to provide context and enhance understanding. However, ensure this information is placed towards the end, after the main points have been established.
• Call to Action (Optional): Depending on your goals, you might include a call to action (CTA), encouraging readers to take a specific step, such as visiting a website or contacting a specific person.

7. Boilerplate

The boilerplate is a brief paragraph summarizing your organization. It provides essential information about your company's mission, history, and services. This is usually placed at the end of the press release.

8. ### (End Symbol)

This simple symbol signifies the end of the press release.

AP Style Guidelines for Press Releases

Beyond the structural elements, mastering AP style is crucial for writing a professional and effective press release. Here are some key guidelines:

• Numbers: Spell out numbers zero through nine; use numerals for 10 and above. Exceptions include ages, addresses, and measurements.
• Dates: Use month-day-year format (e.g., January 15, 2024).
• Times: Use the 12-hour clock with a.m. or p.m. (e.g., 2 p.m.).
• State Names: Abbreviate state names according to AP style (check an AP stylebook for a complete list).
• Titles: Capitalize formal titles when they precede a name (e.g., President Joe Biden) but lowercase when they follow (e.g., Joe Biden, president of the company).
• Punctuation: Use minimal punctuation and follow AP style for commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks.
• Abbreviations: Use abbreviations sparingly and only when widely understood. Spell out the full name upon first mention.
• Active Voice: Use active voice whenever possible for clarity and conciseness.

Example of an AP Style Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Bakery Wins National Award for Innovation

Springfield, IL – January 15, 2024

Contact: Sarah Miller, Marketing Director, (217) 555-1212, sarah.miller@bakery.com

Springfield's own "The Daily Bread" bakery has been awarded the prestigious "Golden Whisk" award for its innovative use of sustainable ingredients in its baking process. The award, presented annually by the National Bakers Association, recognizes exceptional achievements in the baking industry.

"We are incredibly honored to receive this award," said Mary Johnson, owner of The Daily Bread. "Our commitment to sustainability has always been at the heart of our business, and this recognition validates our efforts."

The Daily Bread has been a Springfield staple for over 20 years, known for its commitment to quality ingredients and community engagement. The bakery uses locally sourced, organic flour and sustainably harvested fruits in its products. They’ve also adopted eco-friendly packaging options, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

This award underscores The Daily Bread's dedication to both culinary excellence and environmental responsibility, setting a new standard for sustainability in the baking industry. The bakery plans to expand its sustainable practices and continue to innovate within the food industry.

About The Daily Bread: The Daily Bread is a family-owned bakery in Springfield, Illinois, dedicated to producing high-quality baked goods using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The bakery is committed to supporting the local community and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: How long should a press release be?

  • A: Aim for brevity. Most press releases are between 300-500 words.

• Q: Can I use jargon in my press release?

  • A: No. Avoid jargon and technical terms. Write in clear, concise language that is easily understood by a wide audience.

• Q: How many quotes should I include?

  • A: One or two strong quotes are typically sufficient. Make sure they are relevant and insightful.

• Q: How do I distribute my press release?

  • A: You can distribute your press release through online press release distribution services, email to relevant journalists, and through your own media channels.

• Q: Should I send a press release to every journalist?

  • A: No. Target your press release to journalists covering relevant topics and beats. Research the publications and reporters you want to reach.

Conclusion: Maximize Your Impact with the AP Style Press Release Template

Crafting a compelling press release is a valuable skill for any organization seeking to share its news and engage with the media. By adhering to the AP style press release template and incorporating these guidelines, you significantly increase your chances of securing positive media coverage. Remember to prioritize clarity, conciseness, and accuracy in your writing, ensuring your message resonates with journalists and your target audience. With a well-structured and professionally written press release, you can effectively communicate your story and achieve your communication goals. Consistent practice and careful attention to detail will refine your ability to create impactful press releases that deliver results.