There are a few (or more, if I have to be honest) things that make sub-editors want to grab a red pen or press the delete button when they’re editing copy – an apostrophe that is incorrectly used being one of them.
But although good spelling and grammar really make us happy, there are a few other things that everyone can get right even if they are not spelling or grammar experts.
It boils down to getting back to the basics when covering an event or writing a news story: if you weren’t there and you were reading the piece you are about to write, what would you want to know about what happened?
Anyone reading your article, press release or blog about an event should get answers to the following questions (often referred to by journalists as the five Ws and the S):
- What? Give a description of what happened
- Who? Who was involved with or attended the event? Include names and surnames where necessary and always make sure they are spelled correctly
- Where? Include the place, suburb and city. Rather give too much info than too little
- When? Always include a date and, if relevant, the time too
- Why? Explain the reason for the event, for example, it was a charity event and blankets were collected for homeless people
- So what? Explain the significance of what happened, for example, 500 people won’t be sleeping cold at night any longer
If you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have the basics covered, you won’t leave your readers wondering what happened, and you might even become the sub-editor’s best friend.