Press Kit Checklist
Cover letter
Your press kit must include a cover letter addressed to a specific person at the radio station, record label or booking agency, and should be no longer than one page. Take time to obtain the name and address of this person. Your letter should spell out the reasons why they would want to continue looking at the rest of the kit (intrigue). And remember..write in a conversational tone. End the letter with a P.S. repeating one or two major points you would like to drive home.
News Release
These are also referred to as Press Releases and should contain information about a specific event or newsworthy topic, i.e. CD release, upcoming event. Do not mix items. Be sure to write a news release for each topic. The length of the news release should be no longer than one page. Remember the 5 W’s—Who, What, When, Where and Why.
Artist/Band Bio
The current artist bio should provide details on the current state of things with your music and should be no longer than two pages. Some elements of a good artist/band bio would be: a. use quotes from key people; b. make it a good read like a magazine article; c. be positive and optimistic but don’t boast; d. keep it clean and interesting.
Your CD
remove the shrink wrap so those who are pressed for time find it easy to enjoy your music. Make sure your contact info is on the CD as these items often get separated from your press kit. In fact, put your contact info on everything!
Photo
Make sure your kit contains a professional, close up black and white photo (they reproduce more easily than color photos). The emphasis should be on you, not on the background. Pick a location that has atmosphere. Band photos should be particularly interesting—not everyone standing in a straight line. Each member should dress accordingly and consider how they want to represent the band. Have a consistent look and attitude.
Press Clippings
Use photocopies from the original article and arrange them neatly on each page. If an article does not fit the standard 8-1/2 x 11 size page, have a good print shop reduce or enlarge to fit nicely on the page. While all the other pages should be loose, your press clippings should be stapled together and should be properly labeled with publication and date. This makes it easier for someone to flip through the clippings without things getting out of hand.
Positive Quotes Page
Pick out golden nuggets of praise from your press clippings. For example, "ABC Band electrifying on their new CD"...The Acme Gazette. Ask select industry people for a comment to include in your kit.
And above all, please remember that Divine Design Creative Services will help you design a press kit that will truly reflect your unique and artistic ability.
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