Writing a good press release is important for an artist, as it can lead to free publicity in case of happenings of any sort. A publicity that is far more valuable than any traditional ad you could buy, because news and articles are perceived as more credible. It is fundamental to notify the media happenings such as CD releases concerts or tours, label signing, band members change (or addition), special cooperations. Establishing relations with journalists is necessary to build an effective media list to send releases to regularly. For the first approach it could be a good idea to contact the journalists personally, but avoid to call and ask if they received the press release: if it is of interest for their readers, they will publish it. Target the release to media that actually care about the kind of news you want to communicate, and find out what kind of topics actually get coverage on the media in your contacts. Press releases follow a standard format. * Use an easy to read font, and doublespace the content. No more than one page long! * The first line to include are: ''FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (or FOR RELEASE ON day.month.year)'' and ''For more information, contact'' followed by name, address, telephone number (make sure to be reachable in the days after the PR is sent!) * Write an interesting headline, IN CAPITAL LETTERS * The first paragraph is the one which hooks the reader''s attention, so make sure to include all the pertinent information (the so-called “5 W''s and H: Who, What, Where, When. Why and How can follow in the next sentences). * Write the body of the news, in third person, with no frills nor bombastic adjectives: that''s news, keep them factual. It is possible to use quotations. Proofread several times for errors, address the envelope clearly, and make sure to spell the contact''s name correctly. Last but not least… write your release in a way that would appeal the readers… this is the only way to appeal the journalist too!