COPYREADING AND HEADLINE WRITING

WHAT IS COPYREADING?
Copyreading is the process of arranging, correcting, and selecting the quality and type of a
news. It is also called copyediting. Copy is the typewritten materials sent to the linotypist to be
typeset. It may be a news story, a feature article, an editorial, or a literary piece.

THE JOB OF COPYREADER
The Copyreader is a very important person on the newspaper job, etc.
1. He corrects grammatical errors, errors in style, and typographical errors.
2. He keeps out damaging statements or derogatory statements those are libelous and harmful
to anyones reputation.
3. He also writes the headlines.

In Copyreading a news report, the copyreader should see to it that it begins with the proper lead
and that this lead contains the most important facts. He sees to it that the paragraphs are arranged
according to decreasing importance following the involved pyramid structure. He kills or eliminates
words that tend to editorialize. He crosses out redundant words and verbal deadwood.

Characteristics of a Good Copyreader:
It has been said that a good copyreader must possess certain qualities. He or she must have
(1) the eye of an eagle and
(2) the touch of a butterfly.

PREPARING THE COPY
In preparing the copy, the reporter should:
1. Use a typewriter or a computer never submitting it in long hand.
2. Type on one side of the sheet only and double the space.
3. Begin his story (for news) about three inches from the top of the page.
4. Indent deeply at least five spaces the beginning of each paragraph.
5. Identify on the first page the story with a slugline the name of the paper, words identifying
the story like Fire, or Student election; the reporter and the date.
6. Type the word More at the bottom of each page except the last, where he has to indicate
the end of the story with a 30 or # mark.

DUTIES OF A COPYREADER
1. Straighten out ungrammatical constructions.
2. Shorten sentences and tighten paragraphs.
3. See that the papers style requirements are strictly followed.
4. Check names, addresses, titles, designations, identifications, figures, etc.
5. Rewrite the story completely if its poorly written.
6. Rewrite the lead or the first few paragraphs whenever necessary, but must never tamper with
the facts unless he is sure of his corrections.
7. Delete all opinion, speculations, and statements which are without attribution or sources.
8. Watch out for slanting or any attempt to present the story in a subtly biased way.
9. Watch out for libelous statements.
10. Recheck figures and totals.
11. Rewrite the lead or the first few paragraphs whenever necessary, but must never tamper with
the facts unless he is sure of his corrections.
12. Delete all opinion, speculations, and statements which are without attribution or sources.
13. Watch out for slanting or any attempt to present the story in a subtly biased way.
14. Watch out for libelous statements.
15. Recheck figures and totals.
16. Write headlines.