I recently peeked in at Joan Stewart's blog when she
mentioned a "difference" between "media release,"
"press release," and "news release." I talk a lot about
media releases in The Frugal Book
Promoter (http://budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo)
and it worries me a bit that so many people are using these terms
incorrectly.
And, lo! Joan and I pretty
much agree.
At the root of them, these terms mean about the same thing. Still,
I consider it sort of my business to lead people (especially authors and
retailers) in the right direction in terms of marketing, so I suggest they use
the term "media release" if only because "press release"
feels as if it isn't given the other media (like Web site editors, bloggers, TV
producers) their full due.
Using the right term is especially important when
we're sending a release to media that cover the gamut and most times that's
exactly what we do. Because newbies may not be familiar with the term"media
release," we may be communicating better when we say "press release,"
so there is a place for the term. I just worry that people might stick
"press release" into the subject line of their e-mail releases and
come off...well...a little exclusionary?
And maybe not quite as professional as
they'd like to look.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This Is the Place; Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered; Tracings, a chapbook of poetry; and how to books for writers including the award-winning second edition of, The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher; The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success; and Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers . The Great First Impression Book Proposal is her newest booklet for writers. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques. Some of her other blogs are TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog where authors can recycle their favorite reviews. She also blogs at all things editing, grammar, formatting and more at The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor .
Well, you converted me. I've been using MEDIA RELEASE for the past few years since reading your book and becoming friends with you. Good thing. We are currently on a MEDIA RELEASE blitz for the new book, La Bella Mafia, and issuing one every week. Thanks, Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, LOL. I'm glad to do you some good, especially since I love your books. A great idea. Media BLITZ. How do you come up with something new each week? Inquiring minds want to know! (-:
ReplyDeleteI've been using Media Release for a while - maybe after I took your class? Could be! And yes - Morgan, do tell. How do you come up with newsworthy items that often?
ReplyDeleteDonna. LOL. I'm hoping that Donna heeded my advice in The Frugal Book Promoter (and some seminars) to reread one's books searching for the many angles within it--included the professions of the characters, the theme of the book, and many more. I. E. media release ideas are way MORE than genre. (-:
ReplyDelete