Creating an Effective Press Kit - Part 4

In your press kit, along with your 8x10 promo photo, artist bio and CD, it's vital to also have media/press clippings and album/live gig reviews.  You don't need to include every inch of press you've ever received, but you should choose five of the most positive pieces done on you or your band and include those.

And nothing screams unprofessional more than lopsided, poorly reproduced copies of said clippings.  Make sure to have your chosen clips neatly and professionally reproduced.  While more expensive than your run-of-the-mill, B&W copies from your copy machine at the library, it's worth the additional costs.

Don't have any press clippings?  Call around to the music editors at newspapers in the areas where you are playing gigs and let them know about your show and that you're available for interviews.  Send mp3s of your album to online music sites for consideration for review.  Putting yourself out there opens up many press opportunities.

Now that you have the major elements of your press kit, check out Part 5 to see how it all comes together.

Stacy Ramsey
Consulting Writer, YouMusic.com