Whether or not you believe print media is dying, there’s no harm in spreading the word of your business far and wide.

The key to getting your news in print (or online) is to write it right. Most mainstream outlets use a specific style of grammar known as Associated Press style. It includes different abbreviations, punctuation and structure from prose you would find in a book. Find a cheat sheet for AP style here, but consider having your release edited or proofed by someone with media experience.

With shrinking budgets everywhere (smaller budgets=smaller staff), outlets are looking for print-ready material. There’s a real possibility to have your news printed verbatim if it’s in the right form.

Other details to remember include relevance. The news business is on a 24-hour news cycle. Send accomplishments and milestones in a timely manner because news alerts sent a month after the event is too late for coverage.

Finally, keep your announcements short. No release should be more than a single page. If a reporter or editor wants more details, they will ask (but by all means, feel free to make sure your release was received by making a follow-up call). The more concise your release is, the better your chance of an editor or reporter taking a little time to take a look at what you have to say.