|
Learn How to Write a Press Release Online Course at KSURF Virtual University.
Publicity, promotion and press release writing are essential skills for every business and nonprofit professional. In this course offered by KSURF Virtual University, you will learn to use insider tips and tricks of the trade to write a high-quality press release that a newspaper or magazine editor will publish.
Participants will learn what a press release is, the role it can play for a nonprofit or small business, and important points to consider before sitting down to write a press release. The course will examine when and why to write a press release (and when not to bother), the nuts and bolts of structure and style, how to format a press release, and who to send the finished press release to so your story will be told.
The course will delve into the unspoken rules and time-proven techniques, which can be used to help distinguish the writer's press release from the work of amateurs.
When you have completed this course, you should be able to:
• Know what a press release is and the role it performs for your nonprofit or small business.
• Understand the meaning of "newsworthy" and write press releases which are interesting and relevant.
• Correctly format a press release for either paper or electronic submission.
• Target your press releases to specific audiences that you want to reach.
• Recognize the importance of a press release as a "sales letter" without resorting to hype.
• Know when not to send a press release.
• Understand the do's and don'ts of building contacts in the media.
• Make your press release look and sound professional.
• Correctly use headers, headlines, summaries, and datelines in your press releases.
• Write an opening paragraph that is strong, interesting, and effective.
• Properly format and distribute your press releases in a professional manner.
• Know what journalists and editors want and don't want in a press release.
• Use quotes, testimonials, and case studies to give your press releases credibility and "a human face.”
• Create fresh and unique angles for your press releases.
• Know what is meant by the "inverted pyramid style" of writing.
• Recognize why it is important to "stick with the facts!"
• Research media outlets and develop a receptive audience for your press releases.
Instructor, Gloria Oren is a published author, editor, book reviewer and proofreader. She is an active member of several online writing groups including the Muse it Up Club and her local group, the Redmond Association of SPokenword (RASP) where she often participates in open mike gatherings. Gloria is moderator of the Alpha Musers critique group for nonfiction writers. She has had book reviews published in the Association of Jewish Librarians' Newsletter.
Syllabus: Getting Started (Course Syllabus)
Lesson 1: What is a Press Release?
Lesson 2: When to Write a Press Release
Lesson 3: How to Format a Press Release
Lesson 4: What Makes a Good Press Release?
Lesson 5: More on Writing Effective Press Releases
Lesson 6: Final Exam
Enrollments begin in Summer 2010 and continue throughout the year. Unlike a traditional class, there is no waiting for classes to begin- students can enroll and start learning the same day and students can work at their own pace in their spare time from the comfort of their home or office. Tuition is $15 and includes 2 CEU credits, no textbook purchase is required. Further details about this writing course and how to enroll online can be found by visiting http://ksurf.net/vu/catalog/308.html
About KSURF -Where Knowledge Surfers Learn
KSURF is a unique online learning community offering a hundred fun and low-cost continuing education courses for Baby Boomers and young adults combined with popular social networking features such as user profiles and blogs. To see our current course calendar visit http://vu.ksurf.net/calendar.html
|
