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Copyreading Tips

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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672 views

Copyreading Tips

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
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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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