Writing: Tell Me A Story 2023

STORY CHECKLIST ACTIVITY Your Name:

When you have completed your first draft of a story, write a 1-2 sentence summary of it below. This summary should make it clear what the angle of your story is.

Headline:

Secondary Headline:

Sidebar Plan:

Yes No

1. Does the story match the summary provided above? 2. Does the story focus on a specific person or persons?

3. Have you chosen an angle that allows the story to be told in the most effective manner? 4. Does the story provide specific details using quotes that will help the reader recall the moments described or discussed? 5. Are at least three highly appropriate sources quoted in the story? 6. Does one source have leadership responsibilities for the event or organization in the story? 7. Was one source involved in the event or organization? 8. Can one source provide a reaction quote? 9. Do all quotes provide insight rather than facts that don’t need to be quoted? 10. Is the story lively, interesting and familiar? 11. Does the lead draw the reader into the story? 12. Would a reader feel compelled to keep reading? If, as you read the story, you lost interest in the story at any point, mark it. 13. Is the story effectively organized? 14. Does it flow easily and logically from the beginning to the end? 15. Have you checked to ensure the story follows AP style? 16. Read the story again looking for mechanical errors as well as errors in fact. 17. Has the information for your sidebar been submitted? Once you have completed this form, you are ready to meet with the copy editor. Please set up a time to meet within the next two days. At the end of the meeting with the copy editor, you will have 48 hours to make changes/corrections on your story (unless you and the copy editor negotiate a different deadline).

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