Putting you in the picture about images
Copywriters are often asked to produce an advert, and need to check whether the client is expecting the copy, or photographs / images too. Some copywriters work with a graphic designer, who takes care...
View ArticleLeveson inquiry reconvenes to hear new evidence
The Leveson inquiry was urgently reconvened today to hear new evidence from victims of media abuse. Mr and Mrs XXX’s story hit the headlines when their daughter was attacked by a wolf who ate her...
View ArticleFinding the missing link
Incoming links are important for SEO, but can work against you if they don’t come from a relevant, credible source. Google can spot ‘spammy’ links and may penalise you for them. There’s plenty of ‘get...
View ArticleHow to gather sports contacts
How does a new sports journalist get some contacts? The best advice is: start where you’re at. Identify your favourite sport(s), and then rack your brains for people you know who are associated with...
View ArticleQuestion: should a journalist, or an editor, change a quote?
Answer: No! But there are some grey areas. Ideally, you should leave the quote exactly as it is, apart from tidying up the punctuation, slang and the ums and aahs. It can be hard to make quotes fit...
View ArticleKeep your copy honest
Our copywriting course students are sometimes invited to write copy for get-rich-quick sites like this This copy on sites like these fascinates me, because it’s one area where more is best. Readers are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
My Plan to destroy Arsenal. Mission nearly accomplished!
(not) by Arsene Wenger I have much to rejoice about today! My Plan to destroy this club is nearly complete. You will remember how I revealed my secret strategy, exclusively on this blog a 12 months...
View ArticlePrinted publications usually write in the past tense
Printed publications usually write in the past tense. But sometimes you can bring some variety by using the present tense. For instance, a sports feature might start: A footballer takes a deep breath,...
View ArticleWhy copy and paste does not equal journalism
A good journalist will always want to file copy that is 100% original, including quotes. But many stories include facts and information taken from other publications or websites. It’s OK to use these,...
View ArticleShorthand – out of date? No, ahead of its’ time
I often hear ‘short form’ journalism say you don’t need shorthand in this high-tech digital age. They claim that recording devices are better and more efficient. Personally, I don’t agree. Shorthand is...
View ArticleThe first step of writing an article: Don’t write it
I have lost track of the number of times writers have asked me: ‘I’ve written an article. Who shall I send it to?’ The simple answer is usually: ‘Nobody’. Why? Because you should decide who you’re...
View ArticleI, for one, prefer not to use many commas
I was asked one about one of the more obscure rules of punctuation recently! I think we would all agree that commas should certainly be used before coordinating conjunctions when there are two...
View ArticleThe news standing on this platform …
You frequently hear news providers like Sky and the national papers refer to ‘online and on your mobile’. They’re referring, of course, to the different digital platforms available. The same happens...
View ArticleA numbered list, or bullet points?
When should you use bullet points? And when should you use numbers> I recommend using numbered lists for: A) To describe a process, or a sequence etc: 1. Open the packet 2. Dissolve the power in...
View ArticleLocal jobs aren’t just for locals
How do you prepare for a job interview at a local paper, if you don’t come from the area? Obviously you can’t play the ‘local knowledge’ card – and they won’t expect you to. But you can still have a...
View ArticleThere’s no easy way to learn style
Media and many other organisations have a set way of expressing things, to ensure uniformity. My first duty as a new reporter on a local paper was to spend two days immersing myself in their style...
View ArticleClik here to view.
CTJT launch new website!
We are very excited to announce that the new CTJT website is now online! Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for exclusive discount codes on selected courses. Check out the new CTJT website now
View ArticleDo you take your cap off?
Any proofreader, journalist or editor will tell you: for every style guide ruling, there’s 1,000 exceptions. Style guides usually overrule the normal rules of spelling, grammar and punctuation....
View ArticleHeadings now tell the whole story
Traditionally, newspapers just used one headline, and one subheading. But that’s changing. Now they either use several headings, or longer ones. See these examples:...
View ArticleWhere I stand on press regulation
People often ask me where I stand on press regulation. After all, it’s been the hot issue for debate for two years now. I’m against any kind of press regulation. The UK’s existing criminal and civil...
View Article
