🔍 Overview
This article explains what you can and cannot do once a press release distribution has started, what happens to already-distributed copies if you delete a press release, and how credits are handled in each scenario.
⏳ Can I Cancel a Press Release That Is Currently Publishing?
Once a press release enters Publishing status, the distribution process has already begun and cannot be cancelled. At this stage, your content is actively being sent to the selected distribution channels, and interrupting that process is not possible from within the platform.
If you notice an error in your press release before it reaches Publishing status, act quickly — you may still be able to edit or delete it before distribution starts.
🗑️ What Happens If I Delete a Press Release After Distribution?
Deleting a press release from Search Atlas removes it from your account dashboard only. It does not retract or remove copies that have already been distributed to third-party outlets, wire services, or media channels. Once content is published to external platforms, Search Atlas has no ability to recall or unpublish those copies.
Before deleting a distributed press release, keep these points in mind:
- All external publications remain live and indexed independently of your Search Atlas account.
- Deletion is permanent — the press release record and its distribution history will no longer be accessible in your dashboard.
- If you need a record of where your press release was distributed, save or export that information before deleting.
💳 Will I Recover Credits If I Cancel or Delete?
Credit recovery depends on what stage the press release was in when it was cancelled or deleted:
- Cancelled before distribution starts: If your press release is deleted before it enters Publishing status and no channels have received the content, your credits will be returned to your account.
- Deleted after distribution completes: Credits are not refunded. Because the distribution was successfully carried out, the credits consumed are considered used regardless of whether you later delete the press release from your dashboard.
- Failed press releases: If a press release fails to publish due to a platform or distribution error, it will not consume your quota. Credits are only deducted for successfully distributed press releases.
📋 Quick Reference Summary
- Publishing status — cancel: Not possible once distribution has begun.
- Delete after publication: Removes from dashboard only; external copies remain live.
- Credits after successful distribution + deletion: Not recoverable.
- Credits after a failed distribution: Not consumed; quota is preserved.
- Credits cancelled before distribution: Returned to your account.
💡 Best Practices Before Distributing
- Proofread your press release thoroughly before submitting it for distribution.
- Confirm your selected channels are correct — channel selections cannot be changed once Publishing begins.
- Preview all content, links, and contact details to avoid errors that require a follow-up release.
🛠️ Need Further Help?
If you believe credits were incorrectly charged, or if you have a specific situation not covered above, our team can review your account. If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.