Editor: 5 reasons I delete press releases

This editor wants the relationship between media and PR to work. She really does. You just have to work with her.

Now, get a group of editors together and ask them: Ever cringed at a press release?

Chances are every single person answered with a resounding “YES,” followed by their painful stories.

That’s because mismatches and awkward moments are bound to happen in pitches from PR pros as often as they happen in online dating.

The relationship between the journalist and the public relations professional is mutually beneficial at best: Journalists can use PR pros for tips, a heads-up on great campaigns, events, and story ideas, while PR needs writers to, well, write about their clients.

But just like the best dates, great pitches are hard to come by.

Here are some of the ways to help your press release avoid getting the ax:

1. Stop pretending we’re BFFs.

I know why you’re emailing me. You want to sell me something—let’s not kid around.

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