Hints and Tips on News-Writing for Magazines and Newspapers
A) Your first paragraph:
Getting started often gives writers the most trouble. Actually it’s easy! Just think of what you’d say to a friend when imparting news over the telephone:
For example, you’d be unlikely to say this:
The sun was shining brightly in a clear blue sky when the Queen visited Pangbourne today. The townsfolk were out in force to welcome their monarch as she toured local schools and businesses. Children sang a specially-composed madrigal, and she was presented with a silver plate by the local history society. Towards the end of her hour’s stay she was shot by a demented boy scout and is now fighting for her life in the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
You’d probably say something like this:
The Queen was shot by a boy scout in Pangbourne today. She may live.
Daft example of course, but it makes the point…which is: Get to the Point Straight Away.
B) And there’s more:
It is unlikely that one paragraph will be sufficient. Subsequent ones may well be needed to flesh out the detail. If so, remember the golden rule BASH.
Brevity
Short words and short sentences have greatest impact.
Take a logical sequence, never make readers turn back to understand.
Accuracy
Forget the old adage: If in doubt, leave out.
Better to remind yourself: If in doubt, find out.
Simplicity
Never write to impress. Most magazines and newspapers are for general not specialist consumption, so the least-informed reader should not be made to feel ‘inferior’ or ‘out of the know’. If anyone has to reach for a dictionary or just gives up you’ve failed. If the weather’s dull say dull not crepuscular.
Heredity
Remember to attribute comment or opinion.
And always put your own name and contact detail at the bottom of any press release or article - if you don’t want this detail published start it with:
‘For Editor’s Information Only, Not For Publication’
Kimble Earl is Marketing Director of http://www.WhereCanWeGo.com Britain’s What’s On Event Guide. In the past he has been Editor of a number of UK regional newspapers.
