Sara,

In principle, it's the same. However the difference will be seen in the style of writing - copywriting encourages a conversational tone while PR requires a 'news-y feel' to it. But the rule of thumb for both instances is: will it be read?

Personally, I find the PR attached dull. It's something I would not read. (I use the same standard for other copywriting jobs I've done in the past. If it's something you wouldn't want to be caught dead watching, you better change it!).

Just my thoughts on the 1st issue, Sara. I hope you find this useful.

Writing press releases is not even close to copywriting. Press releases should be 'news-oriented' journalistic accounts. Typically, they cover these points:

• Who
• What
• Where
• When
• Why
• How

Those are the questions a good news story should answer and the same goes for a press release. The difference with a press release is that you can subtly promote a busines or product by making it appear newsworthy.

The problem with most press releases these days is they're often little more than advertisments. There's a ton of good info on writing legit press releases out there. Just do a search. Good Luck!

Press release is different from copy writing in a sense that press release is a promotional article that has some informational background regarding with a certain product or business while copy writing is like getting an idea from another source and then you write on your own.

In my opinion, that works fine as a press release for me. Seems to fit about right, but what do I know?

I think the client is being too nit picky in this case, though it's true you may want to spice it up a bit.

I think the second reply from travlinguy clearly tells what PR is..

My two cents worth. Travelguy hit the nail on the head.

The more effective press releases don't follow the usual template, and come across as an article addressing the problem in the first sentence or two.

Marcia Yudkin (above) has some good makeover examples on her site.
yudkin.com/prmakeovers.htm

The most important thing about a press release is its news value. What is the news in your press release?

I would focus on the cross cultural wedding package speeches, rather than the website in the first sentence:

You had:
City, State - December 14, 2009 - THE WEBSITE announced today they will be offering more free speeches, templates and example speeches from other countries, cultures and traditions. Beginning next year, they will incorporate other countries cultures and traditions in their offerings for wedding speeches packages.

I suggest:
City, State, December 14,
Most free wedding speech packages available online offer only speeches appropriate to a Western style culture, but now THE WEBSITE has a new range of free speeches, templates and example speeches from other countries, cultures and traditions. You can finally find a wedding speech in synch with your own traditions.

The press release has to sound like news, not an advertisement. You are also writing for the audience who wants the speeches, not just for the media agent who will screen the press release, so focusing on what is on offer is more important than focusing on the company name.

Copywriting is all about an advertisement and uses completely different techniques and language. I trained as a print journalist, so I learnt all this in my degree. You should approach both styles of writing in a completely different manner, as you have different audiences and different needs for each style to be successful.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for all the good suggestions...I tried to tell them this wasn't my thing but they said "give it a try". It has been a learning experience. HaleyWriter your version sounds so much better than mine.

I think I would need a lot more practice before I can actually write a press release. Rewriting I can do, copying writing I'm learning but news...I think I'll just stick to my rewriting. I much better at that.

Thanks again for all the very good advice.

Sara

That's okay, we all need a helping hand sometimes! Writing is a craft that takes a lifetime to perfect, but it is a fun journey. You may like to explore my website (see my signature) which has some helpful articles on writing for authors. Meanwhile, I am happy help out with any reviews or providing constructive criticism if you like. I think you have some good writing skills and you just need to hone them. Practice makes perfect, so keep on writing.

Kind regards,