18/09/2020
/Sudi
Good evening.
Basic guidelines for editing feature Articles.
1. Know the assignment. Make sure you know what the story is about
and the news questions that need to be answered. Scan the story.
2. Check the opening of the story. If it is weak, mark it and indicate
the problem. Have the writer start with a soft lead that is an anecdote, a
narrative or description.
3. Check the nut graph (lead). This should be the “lead,” stating why
the subject is being profiled. It should be written almost like a standard
news lead.
4. Body. In the body of the story, the writer should present additional
anecdotes, examples, quotes and details that give the reader a sense of the subject.
Support and Transitions. Make sure examples are supported with a
balance of quotes and attributions from both the subject (if a person)
and people connected to the subject. Make sure quotes are meaningful.
Attribute properly. For example, you may use says or said for attributions.
6. Conclusion of Story. End the story in one of the following ways:
a)Try to frame the story by repeating an image or phrase from the
beginning or by completing an action begun earlier in the story
b)Find a way of restating the theme
c)End with a compelling quote, bit of description or anecdote
7. Statements of opinion. Anything that looks like reporter’s opinion
needs to be deleted.
8. Names, positions and titles. Make sure that they are correct.
9. Direct quotes and attributions. Put the quote first, then who said it.
Introduce attribution at the first natural break in the quote, usually at the end of the first sentences.
10. Indirect quotations. You will build articles with a combination of
direct and indirect quotes that summarizes some information from
sources. The best way to write indirect quotations is to present the
attribution first, then report what the source said.
11. Second references. Full name and title the first time a person is
mentioned. Last name for the rest of the story.
12. Facts and numbers, dates and times. Make sure that all are
correct according to AP style.
13. Short Sentences. Sentences should average 20 words.
14. Spelling and Punctuation. Use the proper copyediting mark for misspelled words.
writing is arguably, the most important piece of advice from me to you my people. Kindly subscribe to my Youtube channel, soon I will give a good tutorial on Editing and design, with good note. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9UYtaA-KyCAlMz_NcUZJUQ. Thank you, have a blessed night.❤️
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