press release writing, press release distribution from press dispensary
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Press release masterclass

  • How to write press releases that generate coverage
  • How to get them in front of journalists
  • How to exploit the boom in online news
Press Dispensary's acclaimed and highly practical press release masterclass has recently been extended to a full day, allowing plenty of time for workshop exercises and a greater focus on distribution, online news and online PR. To attend, please book here.
Bristol - Tuesday May 13, 9.45am-5pmbook
Brighton - Thursday May 29, 9.45am-5pmbook
Birmingham - Tuesday June 10, 9.45am-5pmbook
London - Wednesday June 25, 9.45am-5pmbook
Newcastle - Wednesday July 9, 9.45am-5pmbook
Brighton - Tuesday July 29, 9.45am-5pmbook
About the class
The seminar and workshop-style class is aimed at
  • PR and marketing account executives, managers, junior copywriters and trainees
  • anyone in business who needs to sharpen writing skills for press releases and public announcements
  • anyone who want to know what to do with a news release in the age of digital marketing and online news
It offers a practical grounding in how to write a creative press release for your business that will grab the journalists' attention while avoiding common errors of grammar and style that detract from getting your message across. It also looks at the distribution of releases and the rapidly changing world of online news syndication, with an introduction to online PR. Interactive workshop exercises are used to increase your skills.

It's devised by Jo Chipchase and Rob Shepherd, and led by Rob. Jo and Rob have worked extensively on both sides of the media fence, with plenty of experience on the receiving end, as well as the creative end, of releases. Jo is Press Dispensary's editorial director and has 12 years' professional experience in public relations and journalism. Course leader Rob is Press Dispensary's MD and has 20 years' professional experience in broadcasting and business communications.

Costs
All day courses cost £350 per person, discounted to £300 for early bookings ... except London in June, which is £375 discounted to £325 for early bookings.
Group discount: 4 places for the price of 3.

To reserve places and to see early booking details, simply book here. Once you have made your booking, we will confirm your place(s) by email and invoice you for payment. Please note that to keep courses practical and personal, the maximum number of participants on any day is 12.

Course content
  • Identifying your company news
  • What is news?
  • The value of good copy
  • Jargon that kills the golden goose

  • How to write a press release
    • Good English - avoiding grammar gaffes
    • Structure and layout
    • Style conventions
    • Making spokespeople earn their keep
    • Creative headline and caption writing
    • Editing and subbing
  • Writing and editing for web publication

  • Press release distribution
  • Web publication in the age of web 2.0
  • An introduction to online PR
  • The news release in SEO, search engine marketing and direct marketing

  • Q&A

Testimonials from past attendees

Kathy Simmonds, PR and marketing, Checkatrade.com
“Every person involved in writing press releases of any kind should do this course. I gained so much knowledge from it and it has already made a difference to the way we do press releases at Checkatrade. My managing director believes it was the best money we had spent on a course in a long time.”

Aidan Flynn, Nido Marketing
“Although I had some idea of how to write a press release, I had no idea about how to relate to the journalist and was unclear of the exact format I should follow. Thanks to the course I have increased my knowledge of this. Well presented, interesting and most importantly, very practical - delivered by a true knight of the English language!”

Emma Wickenden, VAMU communications assistant, TimeBank
“The course covered many aspects of press release writing; it was concise, well delivered and is good value for money compared to many other more expensive courses. Rob's delivery of the course was excellent.”

Jenny Hayden, guild administrator, The Guild of Master Craftsmen
“The course increased my confidence a great deal and the exercises were useful. It was very good value for money and masses of useful content for the fairly short space of time.”

Rebecca Fairbarn, PA to the executive director Developing Organisation and “Community for the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust
The course definitely meets its aim and I have seen an improvement in my press writing skills already.”

Vix Novissimo, Whistle PR
“The course was enormously informative. Every aspect of press release construction was covered and I would recommend it to anyone looking either to gain the fundamental facts or even refresh their skills.”

Vicki Hughes, Midnight Communications
“Loads of really positive feedback from the course... including 'one of the most relevant, useful courses I've ever attended'.”

book | | online press offices
 

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contact us
Press Dispensary Ltd
The Old Star Brewery
Castle Ditch Lane
Lewes BN7 1YJ

Tel: 0845 430 4433
Fax: 0845 638 2258

ask@pressdispensary.co.uk
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