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Most people seem to believe they can write a press release, mail or email it to a radio or television station, and sit back and wait for the avalanche of phone calls. But as time passes and no producers are beating down the door, they make a few phone calls only to discover that no one even read the release.

The following are components of radio and TV press releases that will make your show idea come to life for producers and hosts, and also position you ahead of the pack.

1. Make Your Headline Jump Off the Page

Arguably the most important aspect of your press release, headlines are so vital that entire books and seminars are dedicated to the art of constructing the most effective ones. Don't get scared now! Writing a killer headline is definitely a skill that can be developed; all you need is a clear and concise overview of your topic.

Ok, now write that idea down on a piece of paper. Now look it over again, remembering that it should be an idea for an interview that relates to your book but most definitely not a summary of the book's theme or content.

Ask yourself some questions about your message, if the idea is newsworthy, are there any celebrities that you can incorporate, are there any statistics that are relevant, etc. The answers to these questions will help you develop a headline that will capture the attention of producers and hosts.

First and foremost, your headline must instantly communicate the topic of the show. If you can come up with a conversation based on the headline!you have found the perfect one! Generally, headlines should be no longer than one sentence. Sometimes you need a subhead. The result is that anyone who reads the headline and subhead together will immediately click on the concept of the show.

The following are two examples of this combination:

Global Economic Chaos? Expert Reveals Predictions on Grim Future of US Economy

Are Personal Conflicts Damaging Your Life? How to Successfully Resolve Squabbles in Everyday Life

2. Topic Summary

This is your chance to present a concise summary of your show topic. This builds on naturally from the headline. Once the headline does it's job and grabs the producer's attention, the Topic Summary gives them more.

Try and keep your discussion topic to 2-3 sentences. Make sure to to tie your topic to current events, big names, big money, or controversy. Don't be worried about repeating yourself in different sections of the press release. After all, you want to get a cohesive point across! Tip: Try writing the headline and topic summary together.

Here is an example of a headline with a topic summary.

Global Economic Problems? Expert Reveals Predictions on Grim Future of US Economy The United States is about to move into a period of major economic chaos and poverty that will wake up people to overthrow the rule of money in society in a ballot-box revolution. Let an internationally renowned expert reveal predictions on the grim future of our economy.

3. Questions

You absolutely cannot leave these out of your release. They guide the producer and host through your message! Often, hosts read directly from press releases during an interview. This is their time-saving trick. So why not have them ask you questions you've created, enabling you to get your specific message heard? This makes you look knowledgeable and makes for a great interview!

Yet again, you will need to tie in current events and any controversy that will stir interest. Generally, it is good to give no more than 7 or 10 of these conversation shapers. For instance, here are a few questions that were used in a release for a radio show on "How to Find the Perfect Pet for Your Lifestyle":

*What are the reasons people get a pet? * What criteria should people follow when choosing a pet to make sure it fits into their lifestyle? *Can families plan ahead for a pet? *How can we get children ready for the responsibility of caring for a dog or cat? *What do people have to consider before they adopt a young animal?

If you do get invited as a guest, your interviews will generally last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for talk radio and 3 to 5 minutes for TV. So, concise is a word you should keep in the forefront of your mind.

Remember: The more you focus your questions on the topic of your book, the more interested listeners will be in it. There you go! Three quick tips to get make your press releases sizzle

If you would like to learn more about gaining media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman is here to help . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Marsha Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without budget busting monthly retainers.

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.