Writing for

InJournalism

Tips . . .

http://www.cyberjournalist.net/news/000118.php

Know your audienceThink first – think differentTailor your news gatheringWrite tightExplainIntros are vital

http://www.cyberjournalist.net/news/000118.php

Don't “pile on”Keep it short but sweetBreak it upEliminate the guessworkLink when you likeTake risks

Tips . . .

At most use two sentences per paragraph

300 words for a straight news story / preview / review

500/600 words for a well-researched, well-sourced feature

Style . . .

Images

from flickr.com/creative commons

Accredit the owner in the title box

You can customise the image to whatever size you want by clicking the HTML button (top right) then altering the width="159" height="240" part - but make sure it looks ok before sending for pending.

Headlines should be literal

E.g. Eddie Izzard: Movie screens to Metro arena NOT ‘Comedy comes to North East’

Headlines

Links!

First - It’s becoming increasingly important to use links AND it gets more exposure for your work!

Link to what people are saying elsewhere (blogs, forums, specific articles)

Link to other articles on InJ - even to other articles of your own - cheeky but clever!http://www.buzzmachine.com/2008/07/28/the-imperatives-of-the-link-economy/

You can start your own discussion in the InJ Forum (on anything!) - link to that

It’s all about conversation online - interact with your reader. Provoke them (in a nice way) to comment on your story - get them to go into the Forum and debate!

http://www.buzzmachine.com/2008/07/28/the-imperatives-of-the-link-economy/

Conversation

Have a literal headline Get to the point Short paragraphs Link, link, link Engage with reader

Summary

If you need any more info or help please don’t hesitate to contact us:editor@injournalism.co.uk

josh.halliday@sunderland.ac.uk (07902655575)

Twitter @injournalism for when we’re around campus

1pm Mondays, Newsroom, Media Centre