Think Like an Editor 50 Strategies for the Print and Digital World

by Davis, Steve; Davis, Emilie

• ISBN13: 9780495001294
• ISBN10: 0495001295
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Spiral Bound
• Copyright: 2010-01-01
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

Think Like an Editor: 50 Strategies for the Print and Digital World is designed for the new breed of editors joining the Workforce just as news and information-sharing is changing. The book encourages students to apply themselves confidently, to think analytically, to examine information with scrutiny, and to see the big picture. Organized by the 50 strategies of editing-thinking, working, and acting-Think like an Editor presents "strategy sections" that make content easy to find for both students and professors. The text combines an examination of depth of content-teaching students not only what to do as an editor-but also gives insight into the process behind editorial decision making. Full of tips, lists, and memory aids, Think like an Editor covers basic skills and advanced concepts of editing.

Table of Contents

Our Philosophy: How to Use This Book	p. xi
Think Like an Editor	p. 1
An Editor's Credo: Design a mission statement that defines you	p. 3
Planning the Story
10 Steps to a Better Story: How to Work with Reporters on a Focused Plan before They Report: Plot an effective and reasonable approach to stories of all kinds	p. 7
Enterprise: How to Come Up with Good Story Ideas: Nurture this trait, and build your reputation as "The Idea Person"	p. 15
Spot News: How to Help Reporters React to Breaking News: Move quickly, and with confidence, when the news surprises you	p. 23
News Judgment: How to Decide What's Important: Assess things, and make wise choices	p. 29
Curiosity: How to Strengthen This Trait: Ask yourself What am I curious about?	p. 35
Analyzing the Story
See the Big Picture: How to Answer, "What's the Story?": Grasp the essence of the story through conversation	p. 39
10 Questions in 10 Minutes: Mow to Keep the Story Talk Going: Don't get stuck ... get inspired	p. 45
Structure: How to Ensure an Organized Story
Structure: Opening Paragraphs: Start fast-and start right	p. 49
Structure: Lead: Be efficient, quick and to the point	p. 53
Structure: Quotes: Let sources speak for themselves	p. 61
Structure: Nut Graph: Ask die key questions to unlock story meaning	p. 69
Structure: Cosmic Graph: Think big and expand story horizons	p. 75
Give Credit: Haw to Ensure Proper Attribution, Sourcing and Substantiation: Acknowledge others' contributions to your own work	p. 81
Show, Don't Tell How to Include Anecdotes, Examples and Details: Employ powerful techniques to energize storytelling	p. 87
Context: How to Provide Background and Relevance: Help readers understand what's important and why	p. 93
Closer Look: How to Tell Where the Story Works and Where h Needs Work: Get a quick sense of what you hope and what you need	p. 99
Assessing the Story
Skeptical Editing: Ask Key Questions Graph by Graph: Ensure a complete, honest and Insightful story	p. 103
Pace: Keep the Story Moving: Don't lose your story's momentum-or readers' interest	p. 109
Sensitivity: Sexual Orientation/Gender/Race/Religion/Disabilities/Age: Understand and celebrate differences	p. 113
Holding a Story: 10 Warning Signs That a Story Should Not Run: Know when to take extra time if the story needs mote work	p. 123
Saving a Story: 10 Things You Can Do to Make a Story Work: Know what to do when you want to - or need to-publish	p. 129
Work Like an Editor	p. 135
Editing the Story
Treat Editing Like a Mystery: How to Approach a Story: Follow a logical and sup-by step process	p. 137
Edit for AP Style: Remember the rules, and edit with discipline	p. 143
Edit for Grammar: Avoid everyday mistakes that hurt your image	p. 149
Edit for Spelling: Read every word, and pronounce every syllable	p. 159
Edit for Punctuation: Understand the functions, and use them correctly	p. 165
Edit for Accuracy: Check everything, and check again	p. 171
Edit for Fairness: Consider readers' many perspectives	p. 179
Edit for Balance: Realize what it is and how to assess it	p. 185
Edit for Libel: Learn the warning signs that could lead to legal trouble	p. 191
Tight Writing: How to Keep It Simple: Strive to uncomplicate the message	p. 199
Trim a Story: How to Identify 10 Places to Cut: Work delicately, and leave no trace	p. 207
Transitions: How to Change Subjects and Speakers: Lead readers through the story	p. 213
Clichés: How to Be Original: Use your own words, not retreads	p. 217
Verbs: How to Choose Strong Ones: Select words that make the story move	p. 223
24-Hour Local News Cycle: How to Handle It: It never stops-and neither will you	p. 227
Web Elements: 5 Cautions: Mine the Web, but proceed with care	p. 233
Ethics: How to work your way to the right decision	p. 237
Taste: How to decide what offends	p. 243
Presenting and Selling the Story
Headlines, Keywords and Metadata: Grab attention for your content, and help readers find it	p. 249
Points of Entry and Points of Involvement: Choose ways to get readers interested and engaged	p. 263
Graphics and Maps: Tell the who, what, when, where, and how with strong visuals	p. 269
Photos: Convey visual content and emotion	p. 275
Promos and Refers: Write with power and clarity, and be direct	p. 285
Act Like an Editor
Using Authority Responsibly
Corrections: Own Up to Mistakes: Earn your readers' trust and respect	p. 291
Credibility: Put Yourself above Reproach: Understand the pitfalls, and avoid them	p. 297
Plagiarism and Fabrication: What Editors Can Do: Be vigilant, and protect careers and reputations	p. 301
Deadline Pressure: How to Get Along in the Newsroom: Set an example by acting like a professional	p. 309
Keep Asking Questions: Stay sharp through self-reflection	p. 315
References	p. 319
Index	p. 323
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