Send them regularly, but bombarding editors for the sake of it will put them off. If you've missed deadlines, don't bother.

Tips for writing a press release:

• Mark NEWS RELEASE clearly at the top - plus your campaign name, phone number and logo.
• Next, put date of issue and mark "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" unless it is embargoed (see below). When publicising an event, make sure the press release is out well in advance.
• Use a snappy headline.
• Include a summary of the main facts in the first paragraph, including WHAT is happening, WHERE, WHY, WHEN and by WHOM. It needs to immediately grab an Editor's attention or will be binned.
• The press release should be short, factual and well-written. Avoid opinionated rants and jargon.
• Use short paragraphs and simple sentences. Keep to one, or two at most, pages.
• Use a quote by an identified person to tell your side of the story. Use pseudonyms if you do not want your name in the paper.
• Write ENDS at the foot of the press release.

If you do not want to go into massive detail on an issue in the main body of the text, but think it is of interest, include a Notes to Editors section at the end of the press release.

An embargo is a note at the top of the press release telling journalists not to leak or print the story before a particular deadline.

Follow the press release up with a phone call to make sure that it was received.