4 Beginner-Friendly Press Release Books to Launch Your Skills

Top Press Release Books recommended by Mickie Kennedy, Caroline Hurry, and Patrick Ewarawon for newcomers building their foundations

Updated on June 24, 2025
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Every expert in press release writing started exactly where you are now—eager to communicate clearly but unsure how to craft messages that catch attention. Press releases remain a vital tool for businesses and organizations to share news with the media and public. The beauty lies in its accessibility; with steady practice, anyone can learn to write compelling releases that open doors.

Veterans like Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, and Caroline Hurry, an award-winning journalist, have shaped many successful press release strategies. Kennedy’s experience helping small businesses navigate media exposure and Hurry’s hands-on templates provide practical, beginner-focused insights. Patrick Ewarawon’s emphasis on structure and clarity ensures your message resonates with journalists and audiences alike.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Press Release book that meets them exactly where they are. This approach complements expert knowledge with customization, helping you build confidence without overwhelm.

Best for hands-on press release creators
Caroline Hurry is an award-winning international journalist with experience at Independent Newspapers and A Small World in Zurich. Her background enriches this accessible guide, designed to help you craft professional press releases with ease. Drawing on her storytelling expertise and global perspective, she offers practical tools and insider tips that make media communication approachable for anyone starting out.
2023·107 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Public Relations, Media Relations, Content Creation

Caroline Hurry leverages her rich experience as an award-winning international journalist to demystify the press release process for newcomers. In this book, you gain access to 99 customizable tools, including text prompts and layout templates, that simplify crafting compelling press releases and maintaining a polished professional image. The chapters guide you through creating irresistible headlines, introducing yourself effectively, and navigating common media challenges with insider advice drawn from Hurry's career. If you’re looking to build confidence and skill in media communication without overwhelming complexity, this book offers a straightforward, hands-on approach tailored to beginners.

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Best for learning media outreach basics
Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases and an MFA in Creative Writing, brings over two decades of PR experience to this beginner-focused guide. His hands-on expertise helping small businesses access media outlets shines through in clear instructions and practical advice. Kennedy’s passion for writing combined with deep PR knowledge makes this book approachable for anyone new to press releases, emphasizing both traditional methods and the latest social media and SEO considerations.
2014·172 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Public Relations, Media Outreach, Headline Writing

When Mickie Kennedy first developed his approach to press releases, he drew from decades of experience helping small businesses gain media exposure through eReleases. This book teaches you not only the mechanics of crafting headlines, body text, and calls to action but also how to navigate social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for distribution. You'll find clear guidance on press release style, formatting, and the evolving role of SEO—especially Google's stance on optimized releases. If you're new to public relations and want a straightforward path to command media attention, this will help you understand both traditional and modern tactics without overwhelm.

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Best for personal learning paths
This custom AI book on press release writing is created based on your experience level, interests, and specific goals. By focusing on your unique needs, it tailors the learning journey to help you grasp foundational concepts without overwhelm. It’s designed to match your pace and build your confidence step by step, making the process accessible and rewarding for anyone new to press releases.
2025·50-300 pages·Press Release, Press Release Basics, Headline Writing, Media Communication, Public Relations

This tailored book offers a personalized journey through the essentials of press release writing, designed to match your background and comfort level. It explores fundamental concepts and practical skills, gradually building your confidence with clear, approachable explanations. By focusing on your specific goals, it addresses common challenges and demystifies the process, ensuring you can develop your abilities without feeling overwhelmed. This personalized approach helps you engage with press release basics at a pace that suits you, making learning both effective and enjoyable. The book covers key elements such as crafting compelling headlines, structuring messages for media attention, and understanding the role of press releases in public relations. It reveals methods that build a solid foundation tailored to your unique learning needs, preparing you to advance from novice to proficient communicator.

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Best for mastering press release format
Patrick Ewarawon's "Learn How to Write a Press Release: The Best Press Release Format Exposed" offers a clear path for those stepping into the world of press release writing. This book emphasizes the importance of a well-structured release to capture attention amid today's media noise. It guides you through creating headlines and leads that matter, shaping your story to resonate with journalists and audiences alike. Perfect for newcomers, it reveals insider tips and real examples that make the press release craft approachable and manageable, helping you convey your message with confidence and precision.
2023·126 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Public Relations, Content Writing, Media Relations

When Patrick Ewarawon realized how many press releases fail to engage their audiences, he set out to demystify the process with this guide. You learn precise formatting techniques, from crafting headlines that catch attention to structuring content that keeps readers hooked. The book breaks down professional insights like what journalists actually look for and common mistakes to avoid, supported by real case studies illustrating these principles in action. If you're new to press release writing or want a clear, straightforward framework to build your skills, this book will help you communicate your message effectively without getting overwhelmed.

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Best for practical distribution strategies
Brian Cook’s guide stands out by making press release writing approachable for newcomers. It breaks down the often intimidating process into clear steps and provides ten sample templates to help you start quickly. The book shows how a well-written press release can boost your brand’s visibility, attract media attention, and improve your content’s search engine presence. By focusing on practical advice and accessible distribution methods, this book serves as a helpful starting point if you want to begin leveraging press releases without prior experience.
2011·44 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Branding, Publicity, Content Creation

The methods Brian Cook developed while exploring accessible publicity tools make this guide approachable for anyone new to press releases. You’ll learn how to craft a press release that not only grabs attention but also supports your brand’s message and search engine presence. The book offers clear examples and ten ready-to-use templates, making it easier for you to get started without feeling overwhelmed. If you want a straightforward path to writing and distributing press releases that can generate online visibility and media interest, this book fits the bill. It’s especially helpful if you prefer practical guidance over jargon and want to understand free distribution options.

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Conclusion

These four books collectively offer a clear path for newcomers. They emphasize approachable formats, hands-on tools, and practical distribution advice, enabling you to build skills progressively without feeling daunted.

If you're completely new, starting with Mickie Kennedy's guide provides a gentle introduction to media outreach basics. From there, Caroline Hurry’s customizable templates and Patrick Ewarawon’s focus on structure deepen your practical skills. Brian Cook’s book then guides you through real-world distribution strategies, rounding out your learning.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Press Release book tailored to your unique needs, interests, and goals to design your own learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in every press release you craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Mickie Kennedy's "Beginner's Guide to Writing Powerful Press Releases". It offers a friendly introduction to both traditional and social media tactics, perfect for easing into press release writing without feeling lost.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Press Release?

No, all four books are designed with beginners in mind. For example, Caroline Hurry's "Splash It!" uses customizable templates to simplify the writing process, making it accessible even if you have no prior experience.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with Kennedy’s guide for foundational knowledge, then move to Hurry’s template-based book for hands-on practice. Next, read Ewarawon’s book to master formatting, and finally Cook’s guide for distribution strategies.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

Not at all. These books assume no prior expertise and build your skills step-by-step. They focus on clarity and practical examples to help you gain confidence early on.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

Caroline Hurry’s "Splash It!" provides 99 customizable tools and templates you can apply immediately, helping you craft professional press releases without delay.

Can personalized books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! Personalized Press Release books can tailor expert insights to your learning pace, goals, and background, making the process even smoother. Consider exploring customized options here.

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