How to Write a Lead for a Magazine Article

Just as with newspaper articles, the lead to a magazine article should be compelling and interesting in order to hook the reader into reading the entire story. However, with magazine writing, the journalist has a great deal more freedom in how to accomplish an engaging lead. Instead of putting the most pertinent information in the first sentence, the writer can create mystery, instigate curiosity or even shock their reader. Read on to discover a few ways to write a lead for a magazine style article.

Instructions

1. Decide on the main focus of the story. After you do all of your research and you are ready to start writing, settle on what point is most important.

2. Set the scene. The main creative difference between writing for newspapers and writing for magazines is the ability to be more literary and descriptive with your writing. A creatively depicted scene can lure the reader into the world where the event or interview takes place.

3. Find a subject. Start with a description of who the article is about. People love reading about other people. A short description of the subject, especially if it’s a profile, can intrigue the reader to learn more about them and give the article a clear foundation of who you spoke with.

4. Write an anecdote. For investigative-type pieces, starting a story off with an anecdote can help the reader understand how the issue affects other people: families, consumers or even store owners.

5. Pick a quote. Perhaps your main source said something interesting or shocking that is pertinent to the main focus of the story. Although some writers look down upon beginning an article with a quote, it can be a great tool for grasping the reader's attention.

6. Be short and to the point. Although magazines give room to be more descriptive with your writing, a short and punchy first sentence (especially one that makes some sort of assertion) can immediately hook the reader.

7. Jump into the middle. Start with a reference to the crux of your story. Make the conflict clear. Get the reader interested in what’s happening now, then go back and explain how it came about. Conclude with what was resolved or what should be done to resolve it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get stuck on your lead, go ahead and work on other parts of the article first. Sometimes a strong lead can become obvious once you've become more embedded in the story you are writing.

• Don’t take too long to get to the point of your article. Try to be interesting and descriptive, but be sure to add new information that moves your article forward with every sentence.