10 Mistakes That Get Press Releases Rejected by Editors

Writing a press release is only the first step.

Before your announcement reaches journalists, news websites, or media outlets, it may pass through an editorial review process. Editors evaluate submissions to determine whether they meet professional publishing standards.

Unfortunately, many otherwise worthwhile announcements are delayed or rejected because of avoidable mistakes.

Here are ten of the most common reasons press releases fail editorial review and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Your Story Is Not Actually News

Editors look for news, not advertisements.

A legitimate press release should announce something timely, relevant, or important. Appropriate topics may include:

• A new product or service
• A book launch
• A business expansion
• An award or recognition
• A strategic partnership
• A company milestone
• Original research or survey findings
• An upcoming event
• A new executive appointment
• An expert response to a current industry development

A release that simply says your company is excellent, affordable, or ready to serve customers is usually advertising rather than news.

How to fix it: Identify the specific event, change, launch, accomplishment, or development that makes the announcement timely.

2. The Headline Sounds Like an Advertisement

Your headline should clearly communicate the announcement. It should not sound like a sales slogan.

Avoid headlines such as:

• Buy the Best Product Today!
• Do Not Miss This Amazing Opportunity!
• The Greatest Company in America Is Here!

A stronger headline presents a verifiable development:

ABC Technologies Launches New Scheduling Platform for Small Businesses

This version identifies the company, the action, the product, and the intended market.

How to fix it: Write the headline as a factual news announcement rather than a promotional claim.

3. The Release Contains Grammar and Spelling Errors

Spelling mistakes, missing words, poor punctuation, and confusing sentences weaken your credibility.

Editors may correct minor issues, but they are not responsible for rewriting an unpolished submission. A release containing numerous errors may be returned for revision or rejected.

How to fix it:

• Use spelling and grammar tools.
• Read the release aloud.
• Verify names, dates, titles, and company information.
• Ask another person to proofread it.
• Review the final version after pasting it into the submission form.

4. The Writing Is Too Promotional

A press release should inform readers, not pressure them into making a purchase.

Editors may reject releases filled with exaggerated language such as:

• Amazing
• Incredible
• Revolutionary
• Unbelievable
• Guaranteed
• Life-changing
• Once-in-a-lifetime

These words may occasionally be appropriate in a direct quotation, but the main body should remain factual and professional.

How to fix it: Replace hype with specific information, evidence, features, results, dates, and verified details.

5. Required Contact Information Is Missing

A legitimate press release should include valid contact information so editors or journalists can verify the announcement or request more details.

Common contact fields include:

• Contact name
• Company name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Website address
• City, state, and country

If you prefer not to display your phone number publicly, some distribution services allow it to remain private while still requiring it for editorial verification.

How to fix it: Provide accurate contact information and monitor your email and phone after submission in case the editorial team needs verification.

6. The Release Contains Broken or Excessive Links

Links can help readers find your website, product page, book listing, registration form, or supporting information. However, too many links can make a press release appear spammy.

Broken links also create credibility problems and may delay approval.

A reasonable general practice is to use links selectively rather than turning every company or product reference into a hyperlink.

How to fix it:

• Test every link before submission.
• Use direct destination pages.
• Avoid unnecessary tracking links when possible.
• Do not repeat the same link throughout the release.
• Use descriptive anchor text rather than long raw URLs.

7. The Formatting Is Unprofessional

Press releases should be easy for editors and journalists to read.

Avoid:

• Entire paragraphs written in capital letters
• Unusual symbols or decorative characters
• Multiple font styles
• Excessive bold or italic text
• Large tables
• Raw HTML code
• Long blocks of unbroken text
• Repeated exclamation marks

Many distribution platforms use their own formatting system, so content copied from a word processor may need to be cleaned before submission.

How to fix it: Use short paragraphs, clear headings, standard punctuation, and simple formatting.

8. The Release Makes Unsupported Claims

Claims such as “number one,” “fastest growing,” “most trusted,” or “industry leading” should be supported by reliable evidence.

Without documentation, these phrases may be treated as misleading promotional claims.

Comparisons involving competitors can also create legal and editorial problems, especially when the release criticizes another company or product.

How to fix it: Cite the study, award, report, ranking, or source that supports the claim. If you cannot verify it, remove or rewrite it.

9. The Subject Violates Content Restrictions

Professional distribution services maintain restrictions to protect readers, journalists, and media partners.

Prohibited or heavily restricted topics may include:

• Defamatory accusations
• Unsupported legal allegations
• Online gambling or sports betting
• Malware, hacking, or spam services
• Explicit adult content
• Unsafe pharmaceutical products
• Unregulated financial schemes
• Stock or cryptocurrency speculation
• Payday lending
• Content intended to harm a person or company

Other subjects may be accepted only under specific packages or with supporting documents, identification, authorization, or legal records.

How to fix it: Review the service's editorial and content policies before paying for distribution or preparing the final release.

10. The Release Does Not Explain Why the Announcement Matters

Many companies write press releases entirely from their own perspective.

They explain what the company did but fail to explain why customers, journalists, industry professionals, or the public should care.

A strong release answers questions such as:

• What problem does this solve?
• Who benefits from the announcement?
• Why is the timing important?
• What makes this development different?
• How does it affect the industry or community?

How to fix it: Include the wider significance of the announcement near the beginning of the release.

Bonus Mistake: Failing to Obtain Authorization

Mentioning another company, organization, or brand may require authorization, particularly when its name appears in the headline or when the release suggests a partnership or endorsement.

Independent representatives of network marketing or multilevel marketing companies may also need written permission from an authorized company executive.

How to fix it: Obtain written approval before submitting the release and keep the documentation available in case the editorial team requests it.

Think Like a Journalist

The strongest press releases answer six essential questions:

• Who is making the announcement?
• What happened?
• When did it happen or when will it happen?
• Where is it happening?
• Why does it matter?
• How will it affect the intended audience?

Most of these answers should appear within the headline, subheading, and opening paragraphs.

Use the Correct Press Release Structure

A professional press release usually includes:

1. A clear, factual headline
2. A concise subheading
3. A dateline with the originating city and state
4. An opening paragraph summarizing the announcement
5. Supporting facts and details
6. A relevant quotation
7. Background information
8. A company boilerplate
9. Valid media contact information

Following an accepted structure makes the release easier to review and easier for journalists to use.

Review Everything Before Submission

Before submitting your release, confirm that:

• The announcement is genuinely newsworthy.
• The headline clearly states the news.
• The release is free of grammar and spelling errors.
• All names, dates, quotations, and claims are accurate.
• Every link works.
• Contact information is complete.
• The content complies with editorial restrictions.
• Required permissions and documents are available.
• The release explains why the announcement matters.

Increase Your Chances of Approval

Professional distribution services maintain editorial standards to protect the quality and credibility of their networks.

A properly written and newsworthy press release has a much greater chance of:

• Passing editorial review
• Being distributed on schedule
• Reaching relevant media outlets
• Attracting journalist attention
• Building brand authority
• Generating meaningful exposure

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A little preparation can make the difference between a delayed submission and a successful media campaign.