9 Golden Rules

1. KISS – Keep It Short and Simple.

Local papers normally have shorted sentences of between 16 – 20 words.
Keep to familiar vocabulary which the broadest audience can access.

2. Read For Speed

Sentences and headlines are short.
Cross heads break the story down into bite size pieces
Columns are narrow and easy to read.

3. Never Use 3 Words When one will do

You will rarely see the following phrases in newspapers.
“In the near future.” “In the first instance.” “On the subject of.” “In the small hours.” “In continence of.”

4. Don’t repeat yourself.

Don’t use two words which mean the same thing
e.g.” Uniquely special” “Final Outcome” “Important essentials”

5. Use active verbs.

e.g.” burglars took the corgi” rather than the “corgi was taken by the burglars.”

6. Play with language

Use puns – e.g. Chippy gets a battering. Steve Davis arrived on cue.

7. Make the story personal

People sell papers. – Pictures and stories

8. Categories people in the news.

E.g. grey hairs pensioner, secrete lover, mother of two, retires teachers 65.

9. Things to avoid

Clichés, euphemisms, being too chatty, unnecessary American phrase.