Press Releases: How They Work

Press releases are a great way to build links and get exposure for your book, blog, website, or just about anything else. Many press release sites offer a variety of services, from free press release dissemination to full-blown publicity packages. The question - as with anything that costs money - is whether it is worth it to pay for a press release or not. Some argue yes, others no. It all depends. Many, many people read press releases, and I have gotten requests for interviews and book reviews based on press releases (all done for free). Would I have gotten more exposure if I had paid for these same press releases? Perhaps, but not enough to justify the cost. Because there are so many avenues to getting the word out in today's digital, global world, I don't see any justification for spending lots of money on press releases. They used to be the only means of announcing something and letting people know - so the cost was justified. Now, they are really just another component in one's overall marketing strategy.

What can you write a press release on? Anything! It just needs to be news worthy. So, the publication of your book is one idea. But also, almost anything else can be worked into a press release: book signings, the development of a part of your website, the launch of your blog, your blogs one month anniversary, certain milestones in your books sales, the review of your book, interviews, etc. If you think about it, there are really endless possibilities when it comes to news.

On the following pages are tons of press release sites. Not all of them are free (I'm trying to note which ones are and which ones cost money). If one uses these sites to announce their activities, the exposure of their book/blog/website will be greatly increased.

Press Release Sites : Return to Marketing Your Writing or Book Online page.