How to Write a Press Release That Indian Editors Actually Publish
Editors at Indian publications receive hundreds of releases every day and spend less than ten seconds deciding each one's fate. The releases that survive share a structure.
Start with a headline that states news, not adjectives. "XYZ Foods opens 40th outlet, enters South India" beats "XYZ Foods achieves remarkable milestone" every single time. Editors publish events, numbers and firsts — not enthusiasm.
Follow the inverted pyramid. Your first paragraph must answer who, what, where, when and why in under 40 words. Every subsequent paragraph should be less essential than the one before it, because editors cut from the bottom.
Add one strong quote from a named spokesperson with a designation. Make the quote say something the facts cannot — intent, emotion or direction. Never let a quote repeat the first paragraph.
Close with a tight boilerplate: two or three sentences about the company, city, founding year and scale. Attach a contact person with a working phone number.
Finally, distribution matters as much as drafting. A wire that reaches 500 portals with regional language versions will outperform a perfect release mailed to a generic newsdesk inbox. That is precisely what marketplace distribution solves.
People Also Ask
What is the ideal length of a press release in India?
400–600 words. Long enough to answer who, what, where, when and why with one quote — short enough that an editor can read it in under two minutes. Attach detailed data as a link or annexure rather than inflating the body.
How much does press release distribution cost in India?
Regional wire packages start around ₹5,999, national multi-portal wires around ₹14,999, and premium business-media features upward of ₹25,000. Pricing varies with portal count, language versions and turnaround time.
Do journalists actually read press releases?
Yes — surveys consistently show most Indian journalists source story ideas from releases. But they skim: a news-first headline and a complete first paragraph decide whether the rest gets read.
What is the best day to send a press release?
Tuesday to Thursday mornings before 11 AM work best for Indian newsrooms. Avoid Fridays (weekend cut-off), Mondays (backlog) and any day competing with major scheduled news events.