Make Copy Shine By Editing 2023

THE FACT QUOTE HANDLING QUOTES

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Be aware of quotes that convey facts instead of emotion or important, story-telling information. When you see them, ask the reporter if he possibly got a better quote during the interviewing process. Example: “The debate team practices every Wednesday after school in the cafeteria,” Joshua Lyman said. Better: “Debate practices get so heated that sometimes we forget that we are all on the same team and that it is just practice. Sometimes we have to take a few minutes to cool off when things get intense,” Joshua Lyman said.

THE QUOTE WITH ATTRIBUTION

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Unless there is a clear and specific reason, all quotes should be attributed with the verb “said.” Example: “I can’t believe we are an ‘A’ school for the third year in a row,” Principal Jessica Schultz exclaimed. Better: “I can’t believe we are an ‘A’ school for the third year in a row,” Principal Jessica Schultz said.

THE QUOTE WITH MINOR EDITS

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Quotes can be edited, but rarely. Some instances will allow you to edit poor grammar as long as it does not affect the integrity of the quote. All vocalized pauses should be edited out of quotes as well. These include phrases such as “ya know” and “hmmm.” Example: “Ummmm…. I thought the competition was… uh… fair… ya know… for the most part,” Samuel Powers said.

Better: “I thought the competition was fair for the most part,” Samuel Powers said.

THE NOTHING QUOTE

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Be aware of the quote that conveys no information and fails to further the story.

Example: “I took art because I like painting,” Jack Kelly said.

Better: “I was inspired by my mom to paint. She always took me to parks to paint nature scenes since I was little, and ever since then I couldn’t put the brush down,” Jack Kelly said.

Yearbook Suite | Make Copy Shine By Editing 21