Skip to Content

Becoming a Public Relations Writer

A Writing Workbook for Emerging and Established Media, 4th Edition

By Ronald D. Smith

Published November 23rd 2011 by Routledge – 432 pages

Purchasing Options:

eBook Ordering Options

Description

Becoming a Public Relations Writer is a comprehensive guide to the writing process for public relations practice. Using straightforward, no-nonsense language, realistic examples, easy-to-follow steps and practical exercises, this text introduces the various formats and styles of writing you will encounter as a public relations practitioner. A focus on ethical and legal issues is woven throughout, with examples and exercises addressing public relations as practiced by corporations, non-profit agencies, and other types of organizations both large and small. In addition, the book offers the most comprehensive list of public relations writing formats to be found anywhere---from the standard news release to electronic mail and other opportunities using a variety of technologies and media.

The fourth edition has been updated to reflect significant developments in the public relations field, including:

  • New chapter on multimedia and social media releases
  • New chapter on websites, blogs, and wikis
  • Expansion of the chapter on direct mail and online appeals
  • Updated examples of actual pieces of public relations writing
  • A companion website including writing exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and relevant links

Through its comprehensive and accessible approach, Becoming a Public Relations Writer is an invaluable resource for future and current public relations practitioners.

Contents

Part One: Principles of Effective Writing

  1. Writing … And What It Means to You

  2. Effective Writing

  3. Persuasive and Ethical Communication

  4. The Writing Process

    5. Wrap-Up for Part One

    Part Two: Public Relations Writing for Journalistic Media

  5. News and Public Relations

  6. Fact Sheet and Advisory

  7. News Writing Style

  8. Print News Release

  9. Broadcast News Release

  10. Multimedia and Social Media Release

  11. Organizational Feature

  12. Advocacy and Opinion

    13. Wrap-Up for Part Two

    Part Three: Public Relations Writing for Organizational Media

  13. Newsletter and Corporate Report

  14. Website, Blog, and Wiki

  15. Flier and Brochure

  16. Direct Mail and Online Appeal

  17. Public Relations Advertising

  18. Speechwriting

Wrap-Up for Part Three

Appendix A: Common Sense Stylebook for Public Relations Writers

Appendix B: Copy Editing

Bibliography

Glossary

Author Bio

Ronald D. Smith is Professor of Public Communication and former Chair of the Communication Department at Buffalo State (SUNY). He currently serves as interim Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. He is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America.

Name: Becoming a Public Relations Writer: A Writing Workbook for Emerging and Established Media, 4th Edition (Paperback) – Routledge 
Description: By Ronald D. Smith. Becoming a Public Relations Writer is a comprehensive guide to the writing process for public relations practice. Using straightforward, no-nonsense language, realistic examples, easy-to-follow steps and practical exercises, this text introduces the...
Categories: Public Relations, Public Relations, Public Relations, Public Relations in Media