Writing the Press Releases

The book press release below is a theoretical exercise at the moment for reasons that I have outlined in my learning log, as I don’t intend to sell my book at this stage. Whereas I know I will need a press release for my artist talks.

I must show why this event is significant, to persuade a news editor, art critic, or journalist to write about what I am doing, and audiences to attend my artist talks. Consider how I can hook a reader into my project, with detail into as few words as possible.    

Process of drafting & reviewing to the final versions

Important:

• A complete news story
• One page only
• Write in 3^rd person
• Include images – named
• Year art made
• size of work
• include copyright notice
• contact information for more information and to request images.
• quotes about your work with a note of the source

Format:

• Headline/title – include PRESS RELEASE in wording
• My name/book title/venue/location/when
• Image link to others (website)
• Sub-headline: one line explanation
• Lead paragraph : Who (Bio) what when where how and why – not my artist statement
• 1^st para: short explanation including interesting points
• further information section , includes contact information

Separate document provides image information for editors: This is a final section of bullet points that emphasises the important parts of your press release. Essentials:

• Artist, venue
• location
• when
• unique image file name
• Year of work
• Size of image
• Material   

note if using a book seller, they will provide some details but rarely link to an artists web site or social media spaces. I have written a theoretical press release for my book as well as a press release for my artist talks

Final versions, revised following 2 drafts and Peer feedback:

Extracts of peers reviews on drafts below:

• Drop the quote marks on locals
• Time spent ‘there’ rather than ‘in a place’
• The ‘this situation’ sentence really need to follow the bit about locals rather than the bit about woods.
• you could drop ‘over two pages’ on the Suboart feature, it seems to do that thing of drawing attention in a way that makes me wonder why it’s included.
• For further information and For additional info could be one?
• after a period of reflection, rather than ‘over’ (and don’t ask me why exactly!)

On version 2:

• Press Release v2 — looks fine to me. Just say Book Launch – What Lies Beneath by Niki South (you mention you photograph the woods later).
• 1st para: should be “author’s”
• last line: should be “artist’s”
• Press release artist talk
• Same delete “photographer”

Book launch Press release 1st draft:

Artist Talk Press release 1st draft:

Book launch Press release 2nd draft

Artist Talk Press release 2nd draft

References :

ArtQuest (2024) Guide How to:Press Releases. At: https://artquest.org.uk/how-to-articles/press-releases/ (Accessed 28/07/2024).

Crafts Council (s.d.) How to write and send a press release At: https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/sector-support/craft-business-resources/how-write-and-send-press-release (Accessed 12/08/2024).

Sustaining Your Practice Part Four: Resolving and Promoting your Publication Coursebook

The Practical Art World (2011) How to Write a Press Release for your Art Exhibition. At: https://thepracticalartworld.com/2011/06/19/how-to-create-a-press-release-for-your-art-exhibition/ (Accessed 12/08/2024).

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