tip sheet

Tip Sheet on Writing Ledes, Writing Stories, and Covering Events

Writing the perfect Lede:
-Keep it to 30 words or less
-Remember past tense, but active voice
-Don't back into it
-Remember to keep it blind
-Answer the 5 W's and the 1 H
-SVO not OVS
-Where: Who did what when, source said.

Writing the perfect Story:
-Use a direct lede unless you are writing a feature story; then use a delayed lede.
-Format your story using the Inverted pyramid: Most important facts first, then get to the details
-Check your facts over and over again!
-Make sure your quotes add to the story, and make sure they're correct too!
-If you are writing a day two story, make sure you summarize the first days story and then add updated details, remember its not a rewrite but an entirely new story.

Covering an Event:
-Get as much information you can before the event takes place
-Have some starter questions ready, so you can go off of them later
-Listen carefully and take as many notes as you can
-Have a contact at the event so you can check details or have someone answer your questions