How to Write a News Brief

Local newspapers have a constant need for information, and editors of many daily and weekly papers welcome contributions by community members who write coherent, informative copy. Knowing what is required to create a news brief — from gathering information to submitting it for publication — will enable you to compose clean, crisp news items. Brief articles that capture important information and require little or no editing have a much better chance of being published.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Notebook and pencil
• Computer
• Dictionary
• Internet access
• Email account

1. Call the appropriate news source, such as an event organizer, city official or media contact representative.

2. Ask for the relevant details, including who, what, when, where, and how.

3. Take notes about important information, such as how the event began, the number of years it has run and how many people are involved. Look for and note human interest angles.

4. Thank the contact and ask for permission to follow up if necessary.

5. Compose the news brief in a plain text email message, using clear, concise, direct language. Include all relevant details, but leave out fluff. Use adjectives sparingly. News briefs generally contain 20 to 200 words.

6. Check the news brief for accuracy. Use your email's spell check and — if necessary — a dictionary to ensure spelling and grammar are correct. Call the contact person again to verify facts about which you have questions.

7. Email the brief to the appropriate editor of the target newspaper. That person might be called the city editor, the night editor, the news editor or the assignments editor. For smaller dailies and weekly papers, the managing editor might be the contact. Call the newspaper and inquire about whom to contact, or explore the "Contact Us" link on the paper's website.

8. Include a telephone or cell phone number at which you may be reached so the editor may contact you to verify that you submitted the brief.

Tips & Warnings

• The earlier you submit a news brief, the more likely it is to be printed. For weekly papers submit the item at least three days before publication, and for daily papers at least two days before publication.

• Some newspapers pay for news brief contributions. If the paper prints your article, contact the editor to whom you sent it and ask about payment.

• Never call an editor and ask if you may dictate a news brief over the phone. Editors are very busy and do not have time to write news briefs in that way.

References

• Newslink: Newspapers of the World