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Headline Writing & Copyediting Guide

This document provides instructions on mechanics of headline writing and duties of a copyreader. It explains the format for writing headlines, including indicating column width, font size, type, and number of lines. It then lists the 15 main duties of a copyreader, such as correcting grammar, tightening writing, ensuring style consistency, fact checking, and watching for bias or libel. Finally, it outlines 10 types of errors for a copyreader to watch for, like factual inaccuracies, poor structure, inappropriate statements, and unnecessary words.

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Joemar Furigay
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1K views1 page

Headline Writing & Copyediting Guide

This document provides instructions on mechanics of headline writing and duties of a copyreader. It explains the format for writing headlines, including indicating column width, font size, type, and number of lines. It then lists the 15 main duties of a copyreader, such as correcting grammar, tightening writing, ensuring style consistency, fact checking, and watching for bias or libel. Finally, it outlines 10 types of errors for a copyreader to watch for, like factual inaccuracies, poor structure, inappropriate statements, and unnecessary words.

Uploaded by

Joemar Furigay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Mechanics of Headline Writing

A Technical Instruction or The Printers Directions


2-24 BB UN W/KICKER
Meaning:
- The first number means that the headline will run across two columns of the page.
- The second number stands for the font size to be used.
- BB (Bold Bodoni) indicates the font type.
- UN stands for universe, a type style.
- Kicker refers to the preliminary head.
- The two lines below refer to the number of lines your headline will have.

Duties of a copyreader:
- 1. Straighten out ungrammatical construction.
- 2. Shorten sentences and tighten paragraphs.
- 3. See that the papers style requirements are strictly followed. Check names,
addresses, title, designations, identifications, figures, etc.
- 4. Rewrite the story completely if it is poorly written.
- 5. Rewrite the lead or the first few paragraphs whenever necessary, but must never
tamper with the facts unless he is sure of his corrections.
- 6. Delete all opinion, speculations and statements on news which are without
attribution or sources.
- 7. Watch out for slanting or any attempt to present the story in a subtly biased way.
- 8. Watch for libelous statements.
- 9. Recheck figures and totals.
- 10. Cross-out adjectives in news which tend to make a story sound over-written.
- 11. Cut a story to size or to the required length if necessary.
- 12. Check attributions and see to it that they are properly identified.
- 13. Challenge facts, claims, or reports when they sound anomalous, illogical and
incredible.
- 14. Check sluglines and paging sequences
- 15. Write headlines
- * * *
What to copyread
- 1. 1. Errors in fact
- 2. Errors in grammar
- 3. Errors in structure
- 4. Errors in style
- 5. Libelous and derogatory statements
- 6. Seditious and rebellious matter
- 7. Expressions contrary to law and good taste
- 8. Opinion and editorializing statements
- 9. Verbal deadwood, redundancy
- 10. Technical terms, slang, jargons

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