If you are struggling with getting the media to pay attention to your press release, do not fear! Here are two great tips to getting your press release to grab the attention of the busy, inundated producer! 1. Topic Overview Once you have gained attention with your eye-catching headline, topic summary, and talking points, it is time to present your full show idea. This is when to position you as an expert on the topic. Do not write a sales piece here. Write the show. Work the author’s name, personal quotes, and book title into the overview. Use the following liberally to build your topic and profile: statistics, testimonials, current facts, specifics from relevant news stories, and professional credentials. Use anything that will interest the producer, the host, and their audience. Keep this section to a page max.

Here is a Topic Overview for a show on pets:

Some people think “cute” is the only thing that is important when it comes to choosing a pet. But choosing a pet based on looks can set new “pet parents” up for disaster. After all, puppies don’t look quite so cute when they’re chewing your furniture! Lack of foresight is one of the top reasons an estimated 6 to 8 million unwanted pets end up at local animal shelters each year. Enter pet expert Dr. Diane Pomerance, author of the new book Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You. Her goal is to help future pet parents to make the best decision when they choose a new pet.

”People need to be ready for what is truly involved in taking care of an animal,” says Dr. Diane Pomerance. “But people need to be fully prepared for what’s truly involved in caring for that animal. Realistically speaking, they are bringing a child into their home. If you don’t have the temperament, the schedule, or the space requirements to meet those needs, you should consider a pet that does fit your lifestyle.”

Another important factor that often goes overlooked is how children in a family will interact with a new pet. Pets can be terrific for children across the board. Just make sure that the pet you choose really does fit with the lifestyle of your child and family as a whole.

Money is another factor to keep in mind. Vet bills can be expensive, and upkeep for some animals can be costly if they develop health problems.

”Pets are time intensive and expensive. If you choose to adopt a pet then you really want to make sure that you take the best care of that pet as possible. So it is important to understand the costs and responsibilities ahead of time when choosing your pet.”

5. Biography This is the one piece of the press release that many people omit, play down or play WAY up! It is important to position the author as an expert. Make sure that you talk about all of your qualifications. If the book is about religion, for example, anything the author does that pertains to religion is applicable.

Two warnings: Sensationalizing and author’s credentials will immediately turn producers and hosts off; and simply rehashing a resume with bullet points is an absolute no-no.

If you put lots of work into these aspects of your press release then you will command the media’s attention.

Want to learn more about gaining media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha is here to help . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without budget busting monthly retainers.

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook “How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest” visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.

- Marsha Friedman