Editor’s Notes in a Press Release
The editor’s note in a press release is where you provide additional context, clarification, or supplementary information to help journalists fully understand the context of a press release. It should contain information about the organization(s) involved in the press release, sources cited, and contact information for the media representative. Unlike the main content of the press release, the “Editor’s Note” isn’t intended for direct quotation or publication, but rather to help the journalist understand or interpret the information presented.
What is an Editor’s Note?
One of the important components of a press release is the editor’s notes or “notes to the editor” section at the very end. This is the section where you can provide a bit of background information for the reporter. It’s typically boilerplate information that doesn’t belong in the story but that lets the reporter know a little bit more about who you are, what your company does, what your background is, etc.
Now, if you’re not careful, this section can go to waste, or you could cram it with so much information that it’s overwhelming and the reporter just ignores it. Remember the basic rule of press releases — reporters are busy, so get to the point. The same rule still applies to the “Notes to the Editor” section. You have to include the right elements, but you must take care not to go overboard and turn this section into a novel.
Editor’s Note Format
An Editor’s Note could contain:
- Company overview: A concise summary of your company’s history, services/products, and location.
- Relevant organizations: Briefly describe any other key players mentioned in the release.
- Cited sources: List references for studies, statistics, or publications cited in the release.
- Contact details: Provide the name, title, and contact information for the designated media representative.
How To Write An Editor’s Note
It varies according to the company and the situation, but some of the things you might want to include are as follows:
- Information about your company — Include a few sentences about your company, including information about when you were founded, what you do, what your main products/services are, where you’re located, and what awards/recognition you’ve received. Think of this as an abridged version of the About Us page on your website.
- Information about other organizations referred to in the press release — For example, if your press release is announcing a partnership with another organization or if it’s announcing that you’ll be presenting at an industry conference, you’d want to include more information about your new partner or the conference you’re presenting at. It’s all about giving the reporter good background information they can pull from when writing their story.
- Details on documents or studies referenced in the press release — If you reference any studies or statistics in your press release, it might be wise to include information about your sources, such as the name of the publication, in the “Notes to the Editor” or “Editors Notes” section.
- Your contact information — Include the name, job title, and contact information (phone, email, etc.) for the individual that the media can contact for more information. This is a must. Every press release should include contact information on it.
Editor’s Notes Examples
Here are some editor’s notes examples taken from the press release examples section of our website:
Banking Press Release Editor’s Note Example:
About USF Federal Credit Union
USF Federal Credit Union (USF FCU) offers a full range of financial services to the faculty, staff, students, alumni association members, and families at the University of South Florida in Tampa. USF FCU divisions include Darden Credit Union serving employees of Darden Restaurants, Inc., and Red Lobster Credit Union for employees of Red Lobster restaurants. Please visit: www.usffcu.com for more information.
FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Media Contact
Kristin Kryza
(813) 569-2124
Marketing Press Release Editor’s Note Example:
About The Marketing Shop
The Marketing Shop is an online marketing agency that provides a full suite of forward-thinking digital marketing services to clients in a wide range of industries.
Contact:
Tracy Gibb
860-615-6182
Education Press Release Editor’s Note Example:
BestCollegeValues.com is an online resource for prospective college students seeking an education worth its cost. Best College Values strives to provide the most comprehensive and rigorously researched set of online resources on the intersections of college affordability, educational quality, and educational outcomes so that individuals pursuing higher education can find the best college at the best price.
Contact:
Brett Gershon, editor
Best College Values
(763) 503-0162
www.bestcollegevalues.com
Software Press Release Editor’s Note Example:
About Gravity Software
Gravity Software, LLC (Gravity) is an online cloud business management software company that provides financial business solutions exclusively written for smart businesses. Gravity’s robust solution is built on the Microsoft Dynamics 365 (aka Microsoft CRM) platform to give businesses the distinct advantage of having your Financials and CRM fully integrated on one platform. More than just accounting, Gravity provides businesses with the necessary tools and processes to help drive sales, improve customer service and increase productivity. Gravity Software – Simply Innovative Business Management. www.go-gravity.com. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn & Google+, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and Like us on Facebook.
Gravity Software and the Gravity logo are trademarks of Gravity Software LLC. All other company and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Contact:
Jaclyn Cauley
248-564-3122
Business Press Release Editor’s Note Example:
About M3Jr Growth Strategies
M3Jr Growth Strategies is a full-service provider of social selling training and lead development. M3Jr assists with organizations’ social selling strategy development, and teaches end-users how to brand, engage, connect, and feed their prospective buyers through social selling training via corporate training and workshops. For more information on any M3Jr sales and marketing programs, contact us at [email protected] or visit us online at www.m3jr.com.
Contact:
Mary Ann Lynn
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations
Carew International, Inc.
Phone: 513.706.0476
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Editor’s Notes
What is an editor’s note?
In a non-press release environment, an editor’s note is a clarifying comment or additional insight added by an editor to a text, typically marked by the phrase “Editor’s Note.” It serves to enhance the reader’s comprehension without altering the original author’s intent. It can provide context, correction, or pertinent information often in response to anticipated reader queries or potential misunderstandings (for example, within a complex quotation).
In a press release, the editor’s note section offers extra background, clarity, or added details that can aid journalists in comprehending the essence of the press release. It can include details about the entity or entities mentioned in the press release, provides citations for information referenced, and the contact particulars for the media liaison. The editor’s note, in contrast to the principal text of the press release, is not meant to be quoted or published directly. Instead, its primary function is to guide journalists in their interpretation and understanding of the conveyed information.
What are some other things you include in the “Notes to the Editor” section in your press releases?
This article is written by Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases (https://www.ereleases.com), the online leader in affordable press release distribution. Download your free copy of 7 Cheap PR Tactics for Success in Any Economy here: https://www.ereleases.com/free-offer/cheap-pr-tactics/