Top 10 Things Your Editor is Evaluating in a News Story

Whether your goal is writing for your local paper or publishing articles in a national magazine, it's important to understand what news editors are looking for. Besides basic spelling and grammar, editors evaluate what you say, how you say it, and the effect it will have on the reader. So before you submit that next article, measure it against the top ten criteria used by editors:

1. How reliable is the information? Are you delivering a body of facts supported by competent research and authoritative resources? Are the opinions expressed in your piece backed by well established facts?

2. Are you analyzing and interpreting these facts clearly? Are your facts are well organized and do they lead your reader to a clear understanding of your topic? Have you synthesized information into solid conclusions, and break down concepts that may be difficult for your readers to understand?

3. Is your article balanced? Have you clearly distinguished between fact and opinion? Have you represented both sides of the story (or at least acknowledged that there is another side to the story)? Have you clearly sited your sources, allowing the reader to determine its reliability?

4. How original is your story? Are you providing new facts, a new interpretation of old facts or a fresh perspective?

5. Will your style appeal to the reader? Did you start with the conflict or open with a hook (something appealing that will catch the reader's attention)? Does your article consistently move forward building on a succession of facts or information? Does your knowledge of the subject promise to educate or entertain?

6. Is your article clear and concrete? Did you avoid generalization? Did you use specific examples? Did you avoid slang and jargon?

7. Have you maintained a consistent tone throughout your article? Does your writing come across as sincere or contrived? Are you using active verbs instead of passive verbs?

8. How valuable is your article? Will it emotionally or intellectually stimulate the reader? Will your reader feel like they have gained something your article?

9. How forceful is your article? Did you manage to persuade without being heavy handed? Did you effectively communicate your conviction? Did you back your argument with logic?

10. How relevant is your article? Does it relate to current issues your readers are facing?

By understanding what editors are looking for you can cut through the competition and achieve your publishing goals.