Preparing/Distributing a News Release
Steps	Check if used	Time (est.)	Hourly Rate	Estimate	Person Assigned
Initial client alert
Determine if subject fits client's business objective
Determine if subject fits communications objective
Determine if newsworthy subject.
Research topic and target audiences.
Detail target audiences
…End users, customers, influencers
…Media reaching target audiences
…Client sign-off on target audiences.
Write detailed outline of release focused to target audiences
Client review of outline
Revise
Client signoff of outline
Write release draft focused to target audiences
Edit release draft (Must be different person from writer)
…Headline (Does it sell story to target audiences?)
…Lead (Accurate? Compelling?)
…Facts (correct, timely, relevant to target audiences?)
…Style. (Simple, declarative, understandable to target audiences)
…Spell/grammar check
Client review of release draft
Revise/edit release draft
Client approval of release
Format and replicate release (Detail number to be produced)
Prepare visuals (see Artwork/Photos/AV/Digital)
Distribute Release/Visuals
...Research media list. (See Media List Research)
...Generate labels/letters/e-mail/faxes/newswire
...Mail/transmit release
Phone call follow-up to reporters
Book/confirm interviews and report date, time, place
Prepare spokesperson (see Spokesperson Preparation)
Collect/report results of clips, video, transcripts (see Results)
SUBTOTAL
Contingency (15%)
TOTAL
Out of Pocket Expenses		No.	Unit Cost	Total
Telephone/fax
Reproduction
Travel
Wire Service
Network charge
Research service
Other (name)
SUBTOTAL
Contingency (15%)
TOTAL
GRAND TOTAL TIME AND OOP
Client initials._________	Initials of person assigned_________