Chapter 7BChapter 7B

Headline WritingHeadline Writing

And Copy EditingAnd Copy Editing

As we begin…As we begin…

You have made it (successfully) through You have made it (successfully) through the writing portion – now it is time to work the writing portion – now it is time to work on crafting the newspaper itselfon crafting the newspaper itself

Headline WritingHeadline Writing

Seems almost impossible to write a good Seems almost impossible to write a good headlineheadline

Headlines should be pulled from the leadHeadlines should be pulled from the leadBut don’t simply restate the lead eitherBut don’t simply restate the lead either

Styles of HeadlinesStyles of Headlines

Centered (we do this a little bit)Centered (we do this a little bit)Flush-left/ragged rightFlush-left/ragged rightHammer Head – top line larger than Hammer Head – top line larger than

bottom linebottom lineKicker – smaller headline above the main Kicker – smaller headline above the main

headlineheadlineWicket – not used much – several lines Wicket – not used much – several lines

lead up to the main headlinelead up to the main headline

Headline RulesHeadline Rules

Do not write in all-caps – only capitalize Do not write in all-caps – only capitalize the first word and all proper nounsthe first word and all proper nouns

Trim all articles and unnecessary wordsTrim all articles and unnecessary wordsVerbs should always be in present tenseVerbs should always be in present tense

Use infinitives for future tenseUse infinitives for future tenseAvoid alliterationAvoid alliterationCan use play on words – don’t go Can use play on words – don’t go

overboardoverboard

Stylistic Issues with HeadlinesStylistic Issues with Headlines

Don’t split infinitives between linesDon’t split infinitives between linesDon’t split people’s names between linesDon’t split people’s names between linesDon’t split prepositions and phrase Don’t split prepositions and phrase

between linesbetween linesAvoid verbs of ‘to be’Avoid verbs of ‘to be’Use the short word list on page 174Use the short word list on page 174

Copy EditingCopy Editing

Need to strive for correctness and qualityNeed to strive for correctness and qualityWe have our own stylebook to followWe have our own stylebook to followLook for the following problemsLook for the following problems

Spelling – really?Spelling – really?RepetitionRepetitionDangling ModifiersDangling ModifiersMisplaced pronounsMisplaced pronounsSubject-verb agreementSubject-verb agreement

More Copy EditingMore Copy Editing

Look for ways to enhance story coherence Look for ways to enhance story coherence through orderthrough order

Copy editor should not make changes, Copy editor should not make changes, however, just because he or she feels the however, just because he or she feels the need to do soneed to do soThere must be cause for changeThere must be cause for change

Copy Editing - Copy Editing - AccuracyAccuracy

Must know how to spellMust know how to spellMust also check facts with sourcesMust also check facts with sourcesPay attention to the followingPay attention to the following

NamesNamesNumbersNumbersCriminal ActivityCriminal Activity

Copy Editing - Copy Editing - EditingEditing

Paragraphs should flow logicallyParagraphs should flow logicallyTighten loose writingTighten loose writing

Copy Editing - Copy Editing - AttributionAttribution

Important to attribute sourcesImportant to attribute sourcesWe have already worked on thisWe have already worked on this

Copy Editing - Copy Editing - SymbolsSymbols

A list can be found on pages 180-181A list can be found on pages 180-181

Finally…Finally…

Be meticulousBe meticulousBe vigilantBe vigilantAsk questionsAsk questions