7 Best-Selling Press Release Books Millions Love

Discover best-selling Press Release Books authored by leading experts including Mickie Kennedy, Peter Bartram, and others, offering proven strategies for impactful media communication.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in fields like press release writing where clear communication can make or break your media success. Press releases remain a cornerstone of effective PR, vital for businesses, authors, and marketers striving to capture attention in a crowded info landscape.

These seven best-selling Press Release Books come from authors with deep-rooted experience—from Mickie Kennedy, who founded eReleases to help small businesses, to Steven Lewis, a journalist with nearly two decades at top outlets. Their practical insights have shaped countless successful campaigns, proving the lasting value of expert guidance.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Press Release needs might consider creating a personalized Press Release book that combines these validated approaches, blending expert knowledge with your unique goals and background.

Best for mastering effective press writing
Mickie Kennedy is the founder of eReleases, established in 1998 to help small businesses access media outlets. With an MFA in Creative Writing, he combines his passion for writing with extensive PR experience, providing valuable insights into effective press release strategies. This book reflects his practical knowledge and dedication to helping readers craft press releases that resonate with journalists and succeed in today’s media landscape.
2014·172 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Public Relations, Press Release Writing, Media Relations

Mickie Kennedy's extensive experience as founder of eReleases shapes this guide into a practical manual for crafting press releases that actually capture media attention. You’ll learn how journalists think, what makes a headline click, and how to structure your release for maximum impact, including savvy integration of social media platforms like Twitter and Pinterest. Chapters such as "Calls to Action" and "Press Release Style and Formatting" offer clear, applicable techniques rather than vague advice. If you want to understand both traditional and digital approaches to press releases, this book addresses those needs without fluff or unnecessary jargon.

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Best for clear, concise press communication
Write a Press Release: 2nd edition stands out in the press release field by focusing tightly on the craft of writing impactful releases that grab attention. Published by How To Books in 1995, this edition has garnered a loyal audience who appreciate its straightforward approach to a tricky communication form. The book offers a stepwise framework for building press releases that resonate, addressing common pitfalls and emphasizing clarity and timing. If your role involves public relations or marketing communications, this book provides practical guidance to help your announcements gain media traction and reach the right audiences effectively.
1995·144 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Public Relations, Press Release Writing, Media Relations

Peter Bartram's experience in communications shines through in this focused guide on crafting effective press releases. Rather than offering broad marketing advice, Bartram zeroes in on the nuts and bolts of writing clear, concise, and engaging press releases that capture media attention. You'll find practical insights on structuring your message, choosing the right tone, and timing your release for maximum impact. Whether you're a public relations professional or a small business owner looking to boost your media presence, this book breaks down key principles without unnecessary jargon. It doesn't promise magic, but it equips you with a straightforward method to improve your press communications.

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Best for personal media plans
This AI-created book on press release writing and distribution is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific interests within media communications. By sharing what you want to focus on and achieve, you receive a tailored guide that dives into the exact areas you need, from crafting headlines to mastering distribution. This approach ensures you spend time learning what matters most to your goals instead of sifting through generic content.
2025·50-300 pages·Press Release, Press Release Writing, Media Relations, Headline Crafting, Audience Targeting

This tailored book explores the art and science of press release writing and distribution, offering a focused journey into crafting impactful media communications. It examines the principles behind creating compelling headlines, engaging narratives, and effective distribution channels, all aligned with your individual background and goals. By honing in on your specific interests, this personalized volume reveals how to navigate media relations and optimize press exposure with clarity and precision. The book also covers essential techniques for targeting audiences and timing releases, making it an essential guide for mastering press releases that resonate and deliver results. Tailored content ensures your learning experience matches your unique objectives, maximizing relevance and engagement.

Tailored Guide
Media Engagement Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for practical media outreach techniques
Susan Haswell has spent her career advising major brands and government projects on sales and marketing, including a stint at the world's largest PR consultancy. Her extensive experience led her to create a resource that empowers marketers to write press releases that truly work. She brings a practical, creativity-driven approach that demystifies PR and helps you maximize your media impact with confidence.
2012·152 pages·PR, Press Release, Marketing, Media Relations, Content Writing

While working as a seasoned sales and marketing consultant, Susan Haswell noticed how many struggled with writing press releases that actually grabbed attention. Drawing from over 20 years of experience and hands-on training across diverse industries, she distilled her insights into PR Superstar, a guide that cuts through jargon to deliver practical writing techniques and media strategies. You'll learn how to craft sharp press releases, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage case studies that illustrate what wins journalists over. This book suits small business owners, newcomers to PR, or any marketer aiming to make their media outreach more effective without fluff or confusion.

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Best for authors boosting book publicity
Michelle Campbell-Scott writes both non-fiction and children's fiction with a focus on health and publishing genres. As the inventor of "Electronic Shorthand," her experience in communication underpins this book, which guides authors through using public relations and press releases to enhance book sales. Her background ensures you get expert advice tailored to authors seeking practical PR tools.
2015·224 pages·Press Release, PR, Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media

The breakthrough moment came when Michelle Campbell-Scott and Nancy Hendrickson recognized that many authors overlook public relations as a straightforward yet powerful tool to boost book sales. This book teaches you how to craft effective press releases, build a personal database of media contacts, and leverage social media and websites for maximum PR impact. It demystifies finding your book's unique story hook and shows how even basic press releases can generate valuable backlinks and social proof. If you're an author aiming to expand your marketing beyond ads and want tangible skills for media outreach, this guide offers clear, practical strategies that fit your needs.

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Best for business growth via media
Steven Lewis brings nearly 20 years of journalism experience from prestigious outlets like the Financial Times and Esquire to this book. His work consulting for global brands such as Rolex and Coca-Cola underpins a practical guide aimed at helping you craft press releases that actually get noticed. With a passion for helping small businesses be heard, Lewis distills his insider knowledge into straightforward advice that connects your story with the right media.
2015·106 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Public Relations, Press Release Writing, Media Relations

The breakthrough moment came when Steven Lewis, leveraging nearly two decades as a journalist for titles like the Financial Times and Esquire, realized that many press releases fail because they don’t respect journalists’ time or needs. In this book, he breaks down the anatomy of an effective press release, showing you how to craft timely, relevant pitches that capture media attention. You’ll learn how to tailor your message for different outlets and make your story irresistible, drawing on real-world examples from global clients like Rolex and Microsoft. This guide suits anyone from first-time PR writers to small business owners eager to amplify their presence without paid ads.

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Best for rapid PR impact
This AI-created book on press release effectiveness is written based on your background and goals. You share your current experience, specific areas you want to focus on, and desired outcomes, and the book is created to match exactly what you need. Tailoring makes sense here because press release success depends heavily on individual industries, target audiences, and media relationships. With this personalized approach, you get a focused 90-day plan that speaks directly to your unique challenges and opportunities, helping you achieve rapid PR impact without sifting through generic advice.
2025·50-300 pages·Press Release, Press Releases, Media Engagement, Headline Writing, Distribution Timing

This tailored book explores a focused 90-day action plan designed to boost the effectiveness of press releases and media engagement. It covers key elements such as crafting compelling headlines, timing releases strategically, and targeting the right media channels. By blending widely valued knowledge with your unique background and goals, it reveals how to maximize PR impact efficiently. The book’s personalized approach ensures it addresses your specific interests and experience level, helping you navigate the nuances of press release writing and distribution for rapid results. Throughout, it examines how to engage journalists and audiences in meaningful ways that resonate with today’s media landscape.

Tailored Content
Media Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for unconventional PR strategies
Janet Murray is a British journalist and PR coach who helps businesses and brands tell their story in the media. She’s written for various national publications and made appearances on radio and TV. Janet lives near London with her family and runs her business from her garden 'shedquarters', bringing real-world media experience to this guide on how to earn press coverage effectively and authentically.
2016·152 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Media Relations, Email Pitching, Storytelling

Janet Murray’s decades as a national newspaper journalist and editor led her to write this guide challenging conventional PR tactics. You learn how to craft story ideas that grab journalists’ attention, write email pitches they can’t ignore, and even attract media interest without sending traditional press releases. The book’s chapters break down how to flip the usual PR approach on its head, focusing on creating genuine media value rather than self-promotion. If you’re a business owner or brand looking to earn authentic press coverage without spending on PR firms, this book offers a straightforward, experience-driven perspective.

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Best for online press release impact
Paul Clifford, an internet marketing expert with experience since 1995 and a coach at Ravepress.com, brings his deep knowledge of search engine optimization to this book. His focus on helping small businesses harness press releases for online exposure reflects his commitment to practical marketing solutions. Press Release Power distills his expertise into a brief, accessible guide designed to help you write releases that get noticed by search engines and digital audiences alike.
2011·56 pages·Press Release, Marketing, Public Relations, Online Distribution, Search Engine Optimization

Paul Clifford’s Press Release Power challenges common assumptions about press releases by focusing on their online potential rather than traditional media hype. Drawing on decades of internet marketing experience, Clifford demonstrates how a well-crafted press release can boost your search engine rankings and drive traffic, even if your news isn’t headline-worthy. The book breaks down essential techniques tailored for small businesses, showing you how to write concise, effective releases aimed at digital distribution. For entrepreneurs and marketers eager to leverage press releases beyond the usual channels, this concise handbook offers practical insights without unnecessary jargon.

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Press Release Mastery Blueprint
90-Day Press Release System
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Conclusion

Collectively, these seven best-selling Press Release books emphasize clear messaging, strategic media outreach, and adapting to digital channels. They offer proven frameworks that have stood the test of real-world application and reader validation.

If you prefer proven methods, start with Mickie Kennedy's guide for foundational writing skills or Steven Lewis's book to amplify business growth. For validated approaches embracing novel strategies, combine Janet Murray's unconventional tactics with Paul Clifford's digital focus.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Press Release book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in capturing media attention and enhancing brand visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Beginner's Guide to Writing Powerful Press Releases" by Mickie Kennedy. It lays a solid foundation with clear, practical advice that's perfect for newcomers wanting to craft effective press releases.

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

Not at all. Several titles, like Susan Haswell's "PR Superstar," are designed for beginners and small business owners, breaking down complex ideas into actionable steps.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational skills in Kennedy's or Bartram's books, then explore strategic approaches like Janet Murray's unconventional tactics, and finish with digital-focused advice such as Paul Clifford's "Press Release Power."

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals. For example, authors might prioritize "PR for Authors," while businesses could focus on "How to Write Perfect Press Releases." Each offers unique value.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Write a Press Release" offers straightforward theory, while "PR Superstar" and "Your Press Release Is Breaking My Heart" emphasize practical, real-world application and media engagement.

Can I get tailored press release strategies instead of reading multiple books?

Yes! While these expert books provide valuable insights, you can also create a personalized Press Release book that combines proven methods with your specific needs for a focused approach.

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