Copy Lay-Out Tips For Would-Be Journalists

Journalism is now mainly an electronic profession and the majority of copy is submitted online. Since electronic text can be instantly reformatted, presentation is becoming less important. But would-be journalist sometimes still have to submit copy to an editor on paper in which case there is an agreed method of presentation. This ensures that every page of an article can be easily identified in a busy media office.

1. A news item or feature should be in a readable font size, usually 12pt Arial or Times Roman and double-spaced.

2. The article should be given a unique keyword to identify it. This is called a ‘catchline’. For example, an article about a poisonous snake sent, undetected in the post, might be catchlined “snake” and each page of the article then numbered Snake...1, Snake…2 etc. This information is placed in the top right-hand corner of every page. Do not use: 1. A subject’s name, i.e. Blair, because, if they are famous, there could be lots of stories about them in one day, or the name could be confused for that of a fellow journalist. 2. A word so general, like health, that there might be many stories on the subject similarly catchlined.

3. The by-line, the journalist’s first name and surname, should appear at the top left of the page.

4. Between the byline and catchline should be placed the date on which he article was written. This information helps the editor to judge whether an update will be necessary, especially if the article is a time-sensitive news stories.

5. Your copy should have a simple heading of perhaps no more than three words, telling the reader what the article is about. Try not to attempt a catchy tabloid-style headline. Sub-editors jealously guard their job as the headline writer.

6. At the bottom of each page, to tell the reader that there is more copy to come, put MORE FOLLOWS, More or just MF (centred).

7. To tell the editor that the article is complete put the word End or ENDS on the last page.

8. Finally, if you are a freelance journalist, don’t forget to include your full contact details on the first or last page.

Deborah Hobson, freelance journalist and contributing editor of The-Latest.Com, the UK’s citizen journalism website. The-Latest uncovers news about almost forgotten subjects or information some people would rather you did not read. We keep tabs on the news that doesn’t get reported from the angle you would like. We have fun as well at the best Citizens Journalism site in the UK - The-Latest

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