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

Part. ONE Think Like an Editor
1. An Editor's Credo
Design a mission statement that defines you
Managing The Story
2. 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
3. Manage the Editor: Coach Reporters to Coach You for Better Story Results
Build your reputation as a "willing partner"
4. Social Media: It's Integral for Your Audience to Be Interactive and Involved
Keep track of these three I's at the start of story planning
5. News Judgment: How to Decide What's Important
Assess things, and make wise choices
6. Curiosity: How to Nurture This Trait and be the "Idea Person"
Ask yourself: What am I curious about?
Analyzing The Story
7. See the Big Picture: How to Answer, "What's the Story?"
Grasp the essence of the story through conversation
Contents note continued
8. 10 Questions in 10 Minutes: How to Keep the Story Talk Going
Don't get stuck...get inspired 9-13.Structure: How to Ensure an Organized Story
9. Structure: Opening Paragraphs Start fast - and start right
10. Structure: Lead
Be efficient, quick and to the point
11. Structure: Quotes
Let sources speak for themselves
12. Structure: Nut Graph
Ask the key questions to unlock story meaning
13. Structure: Cosmic Graph
Think big, and expand story horizons
14. Give Credit: How to Ensure Proper Attribution, Sourcing and Substantiation
Acknowledge others' contributions to your own work
15. Show, Don't Tell: How to Include Anecdotes, Examples and Details
Employ powerful techniques to energize storytelling
16. Context: How to Provide Background and Relevance
Help readers understand what's important and why
17. Closer Look: How to Tell Where the Story Works and Where It Needs Work
Contents note continued: Get a quick sense of what you have and what you need
Assessing The Story
18. Skeptical Editing: Ask Key Questions Graph by Graph
Ensure a complete, honest and insightful story
19. Competing Digital Interests: How to Keep Readers with You
Don't lose your own momentum, and others won't lose theirs
20. Sensitivity: Sexual Orientation/Gender/Race/Religion/Disabilities/Age
Understand and celebrate differences
21. Holding a Story: 10 Warning Signs That a Story Should Not Run
Know when to take extra time if the story needs more work
22. 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
Part. TWO Work Like an Editor
Editing the Story
23. Treat Editing Like a Mystery: How to Approach a Story
Follow a logical and step-by-step process
24. Edit for AP Style: Strive for Consistency
Remember the rules, and edit with discipline
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25. Edit for Grammar: Make Decisions with Confidence
Avoid everyday mistakes that hurt your image
26. Edit for Spelling: Know Words by Sight
Read every word, and pronounce every syllable
27. Edit for Punctuation: How to Focus on Every Rule
Understand the functions, and use them correctly
28. Edit for Accuracy: Visualize as You Read
Check everything, and check again
29. Edit for Fairness: Rely on Your Conscience
Consider readers' many perspectives
30. Edit for Balance: Practice 4 Key Ways
Realize what it is and how to assess it
31. Edit for Libel: How to Avoid Careless Mistakes
Learn the warning signs that could lead to legal trouble
32. Tight Writing: How to Keep It Simple
Strive to uncomplicate the message
33. Trim a Story: How to Identify 10 Places to Cut
Work delicately and leave no trace
34. Transitions: How to Change Subjects and Speakers
Lead readers through the story
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35. Lively Language: Choose Strong Verbs and Avoid Cliches
Select words that make the story move
Understanding Special Demands on the Story
36. Handling Multiple Platforms and Tools: How to Consider Your Options, Smartly
Make the right decision for the right reason
37. Digital Deadlines: 10 Tips 24 - hour news cycle never stops - and neither will you
38. Web Elements: 5 Cautions
Mine the Web, but proceed with care
39. Ethics: Consider Stakeholders, Audience, Peers, Yourself
How to work your way to a responsible decision
40. Taste: 10 Hot Buttons
How to decide what offends
Presenting and Selling the Story
41. Headlines, Keywords and Metadata: How to Write Them for Multiple Platforms
Grab attention for your content, and help readers find it
42. Points of Entry and Points of Involvement: Create Them with Purpose
Choose ways to get readers interested and engaged
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43. Data Visualization: Make Key Decisions Early to Show Information Clearly
Tell the who, what, when, where, why and how with strong visuals
44. Photos: How to Choose and Present Them
Convey visual content and emotion
45. Promos and Refers: How to Get Attention for Your Content
Write with power and clarity, and be direct
Part. THREE Act Like an Editor
Using Authority Responsibly
46. Corrections: Own Up to Mistakes
Earn your readers' trust and respect
47. Credibility: Put Yourself above Reproach
Understand and avoid pitfalls while branding "you"
48. Plagiarism and Fabrication: What Editors Can Do
Be vigilant, and protect careers and reputations
49. Deadline Pressure: How to Get Along in the Newsroom
Set an example by acting like a professional
50. Keep Asking Questions: Release Your Creativity
Stay sharp through self-reflection.

Communication - Writing