Built for a Journalist's Desk
Editors receive more press material than they can read. A press kit folder has to say who you are at a glance and make the next step easy. Put the brand name and one line of news on the cover, and nothing more.
Inside, the left pocket can hold the release and fact sheet, while the right holds bios and photo prints. A slit for your publicist's card and a USB slot for high-resolution images round it out. Our folders with a USB slot show how the drive sits.
Keep the inserts to the essentials. A busy editor wants the news, the facts, one good photo and a name to call, not a forty-page catalog.
Press Kit Folder Specifications
| Spec | Standard press kit | Launch kit |
|---|---|---|
| Closed size | 9 x 12 in (229 x 305 mm) | 9 x 12 in or 10 x 13 in |
| Layout | Two pockets | Gatefold or three panels |
| Stock | 16 pt C2S | 18 pt board or 16 pt C2S |
| Printing | Full color inside and out | Full color plus Pantone |
| Finish | Matte lamination, spot UV logo | Soft-touch, foil stamping, embossing |
| Slits and slots | Business card slit, USB slot | USB slot, die-cut sample pocket |
| Packing | Flat in cartons | Shrink-wrapped in sets |
Custom Press Kit Folders for Launches and Tours
A product launch kit can go further than a standard folder. A gatefold folder with center doors creates a reveal, and a custom die-cut pocket can hold a sample card or a fabric swatch.
Bands, authors and touring shows hand out media kit folders at every stop. A durable 16 pt cover with gloss lamination survives a season in a road case. The inserts change as reviews and tour dates come in.
Putting a Press Kit Together
- Write the release, fact sheet and bios first, then count the pages for each pocket.
- Decide whether journalists get photos as prints, on a USB drive or by download link.
- Choose a standard two-pocket build or a gatefold for a launch reveal.
- Approve the free digital proof after checking contact details and web addresses closely.
- Plan delivery to your office, the venue or a mailing house well before the embargo lifts.
Finishes That Photograph Well
Press kits often end up in unboxing posts and desk photos. Soft-touch lamination with spot UV on the logo catches light without glare. Silver or holographic foil gives a launch kit something to talk about.
If the folder may be filmed, avoid full gloss on dark covers, since it shows fingerprints and reflections. Our guide to paper stocks and finishes explains the trade-offs.
Timing a Press Kit Around an Announcement
Most press kits are tied to a date: a product launch, a book release, an opening night or a trade show. Work back from that date and allow time for writing, design, the proof and delivery. Your quote confirms the production and shipping plan before you commit.
If the news is under embargo, keep the folder cover generic and put the details on the inserts. You can print the folders early, then add the release at the last minute. This also lets one print run serve several announcements during the year.
What a Media Kit Usually Holds
- News release on letterhead
- One-page fact sheet
- Founder or artist bios
- Product shots or headshot prints
- Media contact card
- USB drive with logos and high-resolution images
- Past press clippings
Custom Press Kit Folders: questions we get
Is a printed press kit still worth sending?
For trade shows, launches and editor meetings, yes. A printed kit stays on the desk after the email is buried. Pair it with an online media page so journalists can download files.
Can the folder hold a USB drive securely?
Yes. A die-cut USB slot keeps a standard flash drive in place inside the pocket or panel. Send us the drive dimensions so the slot is cut to fit.
Which finish looks best in photos?
Soft-touch lamination with a spot UV logo is popular because it cuts glare. Our soft-touch laminated folders page shows that finish on its own.
Can we print a different cover for each launch?
Yes. Keep the same die-line and change the artwork for each product. Each version gets its own proof.
Can you ship kits to several cities?
We deliver anywhere in the US, whether to your office, a venue or a mailing house. List each address in your request, and the quote confirms quantity, turnaround and delivery for every drop.
What size should a press kit folder be?
Most press kits use the standard 9 x 12 in folder, which holds letter-size inserts flat. Choose a larger size only if you include oversized photo prints or a booklet.