Headline Writing

1
Headline Writing
2
Characteristics of a Good Headlines

• Have a subject and verb
• Use strong, specific nouns, action verbs, and
  selective description
• Written in present or future tense
• Concise make every word count
• Refer to the information contained in the lead
  and or the first few sentences

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Headline Hints

• Present as many facts with as few words as
  possible
• Use active voice, picture nouns and action verbs
  in present or future tense
• Headlines are not labels
• Omit articles (a, an, the) and substitute a comma
  for the conjunction and

4
Other Hints

• Punctuation in headlines usually only consists of
  commas, semicolons, and quote sign
• Instead of double quotes (), use single quotes
  in your headlines ()
• Try not split infinitives or names
• Do not end a line with a preposition (on beneath,
  against, beside)
• Avoid repeating words
• Use down style capitalization