Think Like an Editor

Part I: THINK LIKE AN EDITOR.
1. An editor's credo.
2. 10 steps to a better story: how to work with reporters on a focused plan before they report.
3. Enterprise: how to come up with good story ideas.
4. Spot news: how to help reporters react to breaking news.
5. News judgment: how to decide what's important.
6. Curiosity: how to strengthen this trait.
7. See the big picture: how to determine "what is" the story.
8. 5 simple steps: how to get reporters to think before they write.
9. Opening paragraphs.
10. Lead.
11. Quotes.
12. Nut graph.
13. Cosmic graph.
14. Give credit: how to ensure attribution, sources and substantiation.
15. Show, don't tell: how to ensure anecdotes, examples and details.
16. Context: how to ensure background and relevance.
17. Closer look: how to tell where the story works and where it needs work.
18. Critical editing: ask key questions graph by graph.
19. Pace: keep the story moving.
20. Sensitivity: sexual orientation/gender/race/religion/disabilities.
21. Holding a story: 10 warning signs that a story should not run.
22. "Saving" a story: 10 things you can do to make a story work.
Part II: WORK LIKE AN EDITOR.
Editing the story.
23. Treat editing like a mystery: how to approach a story.
24. Edit for AP style.
25. Edit for grammar.
26. Edit for spelling.
27. Edit for punctuation.
28. Edit for accuracy.
29. Edit for fairness.
30. Edit for balance.
31. Edit for libel.
32. Skepticism: how being wary can prevent mistakes.
33. Tight writing: how to keep it simple.
34. Trim a story: 10 places to cut.
35. Transitions: how to change subjects and speakers.
36. Cliches: how to be original.
37. Verbs: how to choose strong ones.
38. Web copy: 10 things to know.
39. Wire copy: 10 ways to use it.
40. Points of entry.
41. Graphics/maps.
42. Photos.
43. Story placement.
44. Headlines.
45. Promo boxes/refers.
Part III: ACT LIKE AN EDITOR.
46. Corrections: own up to mistakes.
47. Credibility: put yourself