How do I craft an effective press release / blog pitch (essential parts, subject lines, common mistakes, format)?

Send it Tue–Thu mornings, 7–14 days before release, and keep the email subject line under 60 characters.
1 │ One-Page Press Release Blueprint

• Headline

Purpose: grab attention in ≤ 14 words

Tip: action verb + tangible hook, e.g., "Indie Trio Passes 1 M Streams in 30 Days"

• Lead Paragraph (60 words)

Purpose: cover Who, What, Where, When, Why

Tip: open with the news, not the bio

• Hook Stat or Context

Purpose: prove relevance

Tip: one KPI, trend, or milestone that answers "why now"

• Quote (≤ 25 words)

Purpose: add human voice

Tip: credit artist, producer, or exec

• Body (1–2 short paragraphs)

Purpose: expand with creative or market context

Tip: keep each paragraph under 60 words

• Call to Action

Purpose: tell editors the next step

Tip: "Stream here" or "request interview slots" or "download EPK"

• Boilerplate (2 sentences)

Purpose: snapshot bio

Tip: city, genre, key achievements, website

• Media Contact

Purpose: easy follow-up

Tip: name, email, phone, press-kit link

2 │ Email Subject & Pitch Formula

Subject (≤ 60 chars): +500 % Pre-Saves - ‘Neon Night’ Drops Friday

Hi [Name],

<40-word personal opener referencing their recent article or playlist>.

• 1-sentence hook: what’s new + why it matters
• Key stat: "25 k pre-saves in 48 h"
• Specific ask: "Would this fit your Late-Night R&B column? Chorus @0:31"
• FFO: "Fans of Snoh Aalegra x Giveon"

Stream + press kit: [link]
Thanks!
[Your Name] | [Role] | [Phone]

Tips
• Personalize every pitch - mention the journalist’s beat or a recent piece.
• Copy the release body into the email - never attach large files.
• Provide one cloud folder (Drive or Dropbox) with hi-res art, WAV/MP3, lyrics.

3 │ Timing Cheat Sheet

• Day -28 to -21: distribute track, prep assets, draft release
• Day -14 to -7: pitch Spotify editorial inside Spotify for Artists
• Day -10 to -5: email or blog pitches to writers and third-party curators
• Release Day: share published pieces, tag writers, reshare playlists
• Day +7: one polite follow-up to engaged but non-responsive contacts
Send Tue-Thu between 08:00–11:00 a.m. local time.

4 │ Common Mistakes & Fast Fixes

• Over-long headline - cut off on mobile - fix: ≤ 60 chars, front-load hook
• Fluffy opener ("We’re excited...") - editors skim past hype - fix: lead with fact, stat, or date
• Info overload - journalists need scan-ability - fix: one page, short paragraphs, bullet facts
• Large attachments - triggers spam filters - fix: use cloud links only
• No clear ask - writer unsure what to do - fix: explicit CTA (review, interview, add, embed)

5 │ Boilerplate Template (copy paste)

About [Artist or Project]
Based in [City], [Artist] fuses [genres] with [unique element]. Their releases have amassed [X streams or notable accolade], earning coverage from [Outlet]. New single or EP or album ‘Title’ arrives [Date]. More at [website].

Key Takeaways

• One page, one story - headline + 3-4 micro-paragraphs
• Proof over hype - lead with a stat, milestone, or timely angle
• Personalization wins - reference the journalist’s work and playlist fit
• Friction-free assets - cloud links, no heavy downloads
• Respect timing - early enough to plan, close enough to feel fresh