The Press Release Resource

Over time, we see a lot of the same kind of press releases (which generally are not press releases) that we don’t want to publish here. The reasons for this may be obvious in some instances, but may not in others, however, if you are in breach of the following, then don’t submit your release.

Do Not Submit a Press Release which:

1. Promotes a ‘thin affiliate’ website;
2. Contains links to, or is about, gambling related material, illegal activity, pay day loans, malicious software or pornography;
3. Is shorter than 150 words (this page is more, so there’s an example!);
4. Doesn’t contain any form of contact information (unless it is in your author bio section);
5. Makes unqualified claims (e.g. “best,” “biggest,” “longest,” “fastest” – without evidence);
6. Does not contain any sort of news (a new product or website is generally not newsworthy);
7. Is not a press release (articles, faux reviews, letters – are not press releases, we don’t want them);
8. Promotes MLM (Multi Level Marketing);
9. Uses a free email address (such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Hotmail) – use your company email address, or your PR representative’s contact details within your press release body, and try to use your company email to register your account: spam accounts predominantly use free email addresses;
10. Is about a paid report or reports, and simply lists the contents of the paid report, with no news within the press release itself;
11. is addressed to consumers or end-users, rather than to the press;
12. is issued by other press release distribution services which contain the text “source” or “for more information see…” at the end, in the place of complete media contact information;
13. contains inaccurate, or incomplete media contact information.
14. no press release may contain links within the press release body.

Press Release Format

Generally speaking, you should try to submit press and news releases in standard press release format. Have a look at some of the releases we have published to see what is acceptable, but here are some guidelines:

1. Do Not copy straight from Microsoft Word or other word processing programs – these programs input their own formatting rules which conflict with those which work on websites. If using a form, submit in plain text, and the release should appear in the input box as you would want it to on the page (with line breaks for paragraphs etc).
2. Use paragraphs
3. Add your contact details to the end of your release
4. Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar will ensure your press release is easier to read.
5. Try to submit a unique release.
6. Succinct titles containing keywords work best.
7. Don’t overuse exclamation marks.
8. PREVIEW your press release before submission.
9. Add Tags – tags make the semantic web work
10. Categorize your press release correctly – this is vital – our subscribers won’t see your sports press release if you put it into the “business” category.

Occasionally, we will publish press releases which do not adhere to these rules entirely, but the decision whether or not to publish is ours. We will not contact you if we delete your submission, and submissions are regularly moderated: if your release is not online within 10 business hours, your release has probably not been accepted – check the above and re-submit.

We have the technology to block users who repeatedly submit press releases that are not suitable for publication, so try to make alterations before resubmitting. Be careful not to repeatedly submit non-complying press releases – it is highly likely your account will be removed, automatically. If your account is deleted, all press releases you have ever submitted are removed, whether or not they were approved for publication, so be very careful not to submit press releases which contain weblinks repeatedly to avoid this.

Lastly, we’re not here to make your life difficult, however, this site only works if we try to publish only quality releases. Submit quality releases, and Your-Story.org will work hard for you – for free.

Please do not email us asking why your press release has not appeared – if your release does not hit the site within 24 hours, you can be reasonably certain it has been deleted – check the rules above, and amend your press release accordingly before resubmitting. In the majority of cases, it is reasonably obvious why your press release has not been approved – be honest with yourself, and read the rules above: is it likely ever to be approved?