Today we have guest blogger Rachel Mendell, who will be with us for the next few posts! The focus of these posts will be on writing for the newspaper.
Newspapers have websites complete with pages in which you can post a community event. If you are having a book signing, workshop or get-together, this is the place to put that information first. If not call or email the paper and ask what is the best way to get your event in.
A public notice is like a community event, but usually has to do with a governmental entity. Some newspapers charge local governments and agencies to run their meeting notifications.
An event promo sometimes includes a picture. Say the community theatre is ready to announce their new season of events. They will run a short info piece with who, what, where, when and sometimes why, with a picture from a production of the previous season. If you are writing one of these for a community entity, club or church, keep the info short and sweet. Long promos get cut and sometimes tossed.
A press release is the same type of announcement, but can be from the board of health, the city, a school, a sports league, or other group wanting the public to know what's going on. The press release is the most basic form of writing for the paper and the paper gets hundreds of them every week. As a reporter, I use press releases to prepare for press conferences and other meetings. To write a press release, make sure you include who, when, where, what and contact information. Never send a press release to the newspaper without a phone number.
Examples:
The Sunny Community Church will hold its annual craft festival Sunday, March 28 beginning at 2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the local food bank. Entertainment includes Sunny Hill High School choir and band. Food will be available for purchase. For more information call Charlie at 444-444-4444.
The City Library is offering a two-hour class on filling out federal tax forms Friday, March 27 from 2-4 p.m. in the library community room. Space is limited. Call 555.555.5555 to reserve a spot.
If the editor agrees, more information can be added including quotes and details about things that are being sold and what food will be on sale. Read the newspaper to which you are submitting carefully to see how they write their briefs. Sometimes briefs are run along the rail on the front page, or at the bottom of page 2A or on the community calendar page.
Make sure and get the release to the paper a few weeks ahead of time.
I have rewritten hundreds of press releases in the few years I have written for the paper. Basic problems I find are too much information (usually wordy quotes about how wonderful the event is), leaving important information out (usually a contact phone number) and getting the press release to us too late (usually only a day or two). Call the paper to make certain of the deadline.
Do not expect to be paid for press releases, event promos or community calendar events, unless the entity you are writing for is paying you to write for them. Some newspapers may charge a fee for publishing these pieces. I suggest doing these types of writing for free. Get your feet wet. Show the editor you can do the job without complaining and according to that particular newspaper's guidelines. Show the editor you are willing to learn.
Read more of Rachel Mendell's tips on writing for the newspaper by following the link below.
Writing for the newspaper is still an opportunity.
Rachel Mendell writes for the Morrow County Sentinel, a weekly paper that covers county government and community events in Morrow County, Ohio. She has also written for the Galion Inquirer (daily) and the Crestline Advocate (weekly). Copies of her book, Ghostly Galion, are available by emailing thedomesticwarhorse@yahoo.com. Samples of her writing are available at domesticmobility.blogspot.com. For more information about writing for the newspaper contact Rachel at reporter@newscolorpress.com or call 419-946-3010. Be polite. You may need to leave a message.
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