How to submit a media release to Longwoods Publishing

1.            Do it by email

2.            Put the title in the subject box

3.            Repeat the title as the first line of the email

4.            Add the date

5.            Provide a more detailed title or subtitle if you wish

6.            Provide the information / details

7.            Provide appropriate links, contact names, titles and telephone numbers

8.            Including the option to “read this online” (in case the recipient loses the email but knows your website)

9.            See the example below

10.         We don’t need logos

11.         Appropriate photos are welcome (or a link to them)

12.         Keep it short and simple

13.         Add some quotes and quick facts if you like

14.         Double check once a year to make sure your contact names are correct

15.         Send it directly to the editor or publisher if you have their contact information or . . .

16.         Send it to editors@longwoods.com and thepublisher@longwoods.com

17.         Don’t call us because it irritates the editors. Really.

Here is an example of a news release we like.

March 5, 2012

McGuinty Government Delivering Youth Justice Services Responsibly

Ontario is closing the Bluewater Youth Centre in Goderich, a secure custody facility for youth that is operating at only 26 per cent capacity.

As it works to eliminate the deficit and get better value for taxpayer’s money, the government can no longer afford to operate facilities that are not being substantially utilized. The province will also be reducing the number of beds at Brookside Youth Centre (Cobourg) and Cecil Facer Youth Centre (Sudbury) — both facilities are currently operating under 50 per cent capacity.

All 17 young people at Bluewater will be relocated to other secure custody facilities as close to their families as possible. No youth are affected at the facilities in Cobourg and Sudbury.

Since 2003, the number of youth in secure custody has dropped from 1,017 to 370. The government has introduced a range of community-based and custodial programs that are helping to reduce the number of youth in conflict with the law.

The McGuinty government is committed to a strong youth justice system that responds to youths’ unique needs, reducing the number of youth who re-offend and thereby making Ontario’s communities safer.

QUOTES

“Fewer youth are coming into custody because of improvements we’ve made to our youth justice system. As part of our plan to eliminate the deficit and protect the services families rely on, we can’t afford to operate facilities with so many empty beds. We’ve had to make some hard choices, and I know this will be difficult for the staff and their families, but the government will work with them throughout this challenging process.”

–Dr. Eric Hoskins
Minister of Children and Youth Services

QUICK FACTS

Since the Youth Criminal Justice Act came into effect in 2003, the number of youth in secure custody has dropped from an average of 1,017 youth to about 370 in 2011.
Ontario has 21 secure youth custody facilities, seven of which are directly operated by the province.
The government is working with youth, families, staff, their representatives and the local communities to minimize the impact of these changes.
LEARN MORE

Ontario’s Youth Justice System
CONTACTS

Gabe De Roche
Minister’s Office
416-212-7458

Solmaz Khosrowshahian
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
416-325-5156

This entry was posted on Monday, March 5th, 2012 at 5:28 pm and is filed under Longwoods Online.