let’s talk

Press-Ready Made Simple

Turn your release into a press-ready story that people actually want to pick up.

If the music is ready but the words feel awkward, you’re not alone. Most artists hate writing press releases. Send me what you’ve got (even rough notes), and I’ll help you shape a clear story angle and press-ready copy that sounds like you, just sharper. Start with a Free Release Copy Check and I’ll reply with a few quick improvements and a stronger angle you can lead with.

Press-Ready Copy for Bands & Artists | Steve Ritchie

You do not need a PR team to sound press-ready

A press release is not just an announcement. It is your pitch to an editor with 350 other emails to get through. Send me what you have got, even rough notes, and I will shape it into something press-ready and genuinely usable, the kind of package that makes an editor’s job easier, and yours more likely to land.

Benefits

  • A clear story angle (not just 'new single out now')
  • A press release + bio that reads confident, not try-hard
  • Hooks you can reuse across EPK, socials, and email pitches
Book a free Release Copy Check

About Me

I am Editor at MetalTalk. I’ve worked with artists including Tony Iommi, Adrian Smith and John Petrucci, and I bring that same editorial care to independent releases too.

 

I see a lot of submissions that are basically a link with no context. Editors need a little more, a clear story, a few quotes, and copy that explains why this release is worth someone’s time. I help you build that. Supportive but direct, in plain English.

This Might Be You

You can pour weeks into writing and recording, then lose momentum because the announcement feels awkward.

 

Most artists do not struggle because they have ‘nothing to say’. They struggle because it is hard to pick what matters, say it simply, and not sound cringe.
  • Your draft is either a wall of text or too vague
  • You do not know what the angle is, so you lead with the wrong thing
  • You keep rewriting the same paragraph for every platform

You're not behind. You just need structure.

General questions

You probably have a couple of practical questions, what you need to send, how fast it is, whether this guarantees coverage, and whether you’ll still sound like you.

 

I’ve answered the common ones below, and if you’re unsure what level of help you need, the Free Copy Check is the easiest place to start.
Do you work with small artists/bands?

Yes. This is built for artists who don’t have a full PR setup and don’t want to spend days trying to sound “professional.” If you’re independent, DIY, or working with a small team, this is exactly the gap I help you cover.

No. And anyone promising guaranteed coverage isn’t being straight with you. What I can do is make you press-ready, give you a strong angle, and help you present your release in a way that’s clear and usable, which dramatically improves your chances of being taken seriously.

Yes. I’m not here to make you sound corporate or bland. I’m here to make your voice clearer. If your tone is funny, intense, poetic, blunt, weird, or minimal, we keep that. We just remove the bits that confuse people or bury the good stuff.

All I need is what you already have. A link to the music (private is fine), any draft copy or rough notes, your release date if you have one, and what you want the release to achieve (press, ticket sales, awareness, pre-saves, etc.). Even a messy Google Doc is enough to start.

Copy Check: within 2 business days. Sprint: typically 7 days (subject to workload and scope).

A Calm 4-Step Process

Typical turnaround: 7 days for the Press-Ready Sprint.

 

The free Copy Check reply lands within 2 business days.

Send what you have

Draft copy, rough notes, links (private stream is fine), release date (or TBC), and what you want the release to do.

Quick Zoom call (20-30 mins)

We talk through the band and this release, gather the details that matter, and pull a few usable quotes in your own words.

I shape the angle and tighten the structure

We bring the most compelling details to the top, cut the fluff, and keep your voice.

You get polished copy you can use everywhere.

Plus a mini release-week checklist so you know what to post/send and when.

Book A Press-Ready Sprint

Not sure if you need this? Start with the free Copy Check and I’ll point you to the right option.

Press-Ready Sprint

Who it's for:

Artists and bands with an upcoming single, EP, album, or tour announcement who want the words done properly - fast.

Includes:

  • Press release (tight, skimmable, editor-friendly)
  • Bio (short + long versions)
  • EPK/one-sheet copy (plug-and-play)
  • 10 headline options + 10 social hooks
Book A Press-Ready Sprint
Not sure if you need this?

 

Start with the free Copy Check and I’ll point you to the right option.

Steve Ritchie - MetalTalk Editor

This service is independent from MetalTalk coverage and does not include guaranteed editorial placement anywhere.

 

If MetalTalk is involved in anything we do, it is handled transparently and separately, with clear boundaries.

Steve Ritchie

hello@steveritchie.co.uk

© 2026 | All rights reserved by Steve Ritchie