One of the most common misconceptions about PR is that you need to distribute press releases to get media coverage.
Few people know you can get media exposure without writing a press release — many of my students have done it!
But first, what is a press release, how is it different from a media pitch, and when do you use one or the other?
Press Releases, Simplified
A press release can be a full-blown news article. It has a definite format and conventional style. It’s written in a journalistic tone, which is objective and impersonal.
To be successful, a press release must read like news and be worthy of being published as such. In fact, it should be complete enough to be published as is, or quoted in a bigger news item.
A well-written press release can also get you media interviews. That is, even if journalists don’t use the piece itself, the press release can pique their interest enough to contact you.
And more 
