Headline Writing

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Headline Writing

• Much of the time, the headline is the key factor
  in a readers decision to read a story or skip it

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Six Steps to Writing Good Headlines

• Step 1 Read and understand story as you edit it
• Look at tone if story is serious, head shouldnt
  be lighthearted
• Pay attention if reporter used qualification if
  story says is considering a run, head shouldnt
  announce candidacy

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• Step 2 Write a rough headline, experimenting
  with word combinations

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• Step 3 Choose specific, precise words
• Is there a way I can work 2 angles into headline?

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• Step 4 Make each word count
• Filling up headline space with unnecessary words
  padding may make head fit, but doesnt serve
  reader

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• Step 5 Use action verbs and some creativity
• Look up verbs in the thesaurus. Or look for
  common adages or play on words.
• But watch out Taxi and Parties

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• Step 6 Start over if stuck