There are some requirements for a press kit. A press kit is also the same thing as a media kit. You send a press kit to record labels, A&R scouts, newspaper editors, writers, booking agents, program directors and other important music industry professionals that will advance your music career. Make sure you have permission or they have requested your press kit or it is unsolicited and will be thrown out. (If your luck some places mail it back to you)
Items you should include in your press kit:
-Cover Letter (professional)
-Bio (professional, one page at the most)
-Fact Sheet (simple information about the group, music, charts, etc)
-Two Photos (usually a head shot and full body professionally taken, usually black and white)
-3 or 4 song CD (some places request only 3 songs other prefer 4, also most now want cd's check into each company before you mail it out)
-Any Press clipping (good reviews on your music, shows, etc)
-Contact Information (make sure everything you send in has your contact information)
You could also include: song list, lyrics, and gig sheets
Some other hints:
-Take the shrink wrap off the of cd, it is to time consuming for media reviewers to do. They may just pass up your cd if they don't want to take it off themselves.
-Don't use a huge box for send in your material. It takes up more space in the industry offices.
-Don't send merchandise.
I hope this has helped all of your aspiring artists with your press kits.