Handbook for Public Relations Writing: The Essentials of Style and Format [Paperback]

Thomas H. Bivins (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 385 pages
• Publisher: Ntc Pub Group; 4th edition (June 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844203505
• ISBN-13: 978-0844203508
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,285,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

TOM BIVINS is a professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon. He has worked in broadcasting, advertising, public relations, and as a graphic designer and editorial cartoonist. He is slightly overeducated, but doesn't let that get in the way of having fun with words and pictures.

He is the author of books on media ethics, public relations writing, publication design, advertising, and newsletter publication. He also has published a couple of children's books with his brother and a small book of poetry (all on his own).

He primarily teaches ethics to journalism students. Mark Twain is his moral inspiration. His critique of all things powerful made him the perfect literary defender of all things not so powerful, yet deserving.

You can visit his website at:

http://jcomm.uoregon.edu/~tbivins/Bivins/index.html.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Write right!, February 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Handbook for Public Relations Writing: The Essentials of Style and Format (Paperback)

The Handbook for Public Relations Writings is one of the most practical books available for PR practitionners. Covering virtually all aspects of professional PR writing, the Handbook provides examples and tips for the new PR writer or a brush-up on technique for experienced communications leaders. It is also a solid resource for others outside of the PR field whose work involves writing for business purposes.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Definitive Guide to Public Relations Writing, April 29, 2009

By 

Jinger Jarrett "Internet Marketer and Writer" (Norcross, GA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Handbook for Public Relations Writing: The Essentials of Style and Format (Paperback)

Although the internet has changed public relations and made it evergreen, public relations really hasn't changed that much. The purpose of public relations is to connect with your audience, give them news and information about your business, and connect with them in such a way they see your business favorably.

The audience has changed. It used to be that when you wrote press releases, or created press kits, that you were trying to connect with the press, i.e. newspapers, TV, radio, etc. Now, although you still need these things, the focus has changed because now you connect directly with your potential customers. The fundamentals of public relations are still the same.

That's the reason this is such an important book. Learning to write a good press release and press kits, as well as other types of public relations materials, is more of an art than a science. It takes a lot of hard work to get it right. This book will show you how to do that.

You'll learn everything from how to tell whether or not your writing is too scholarly or over the heads of your audience. Then there's how to create press releases, newsletters, press kits, and other related materials you'll need to conduct your public relations campaign. Although this material applies to print, it may be easily adapted for the internet.

The information in this book is solid, and if you are interested in using press releases to market your business, this is the best place to start. This is one of those books you must read if you want to get it right.

Please note that the information in this books relates to doing traditional public relations, i.e. dealing with the press. It does also include a lot of information on actually writing a press release. That's the main reason why this book will help you the most.