A sub-editor is absolutely not there to re-write a story. They should be spending 10-15 minutes max on an average news item. They have every right to send a story back to a producer or reporter if more work is needed. Liaise with your Editor about timings, deadline or urgency of the story (ie is this story urgently required etc).
:: Remember to move the Trello card to SUBBING NOW when you start working on a story.
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Long and short title: Short around 5-7 words, long around 10 -12 words
Standfirst: Not repetitive of the title, but adding more context.
Intro: A wordier, more conversational version of the headline; It must be short (one sentence) and summarise the story. Don't introduce names of people or organisations not widely known. Keep these details for later paragraphs.
Main text: Spelling, grammar, accuracy; You are the first reader; does it make sense? Is it OK for legal? (copyright, defamation, contempt of court etc). Check structure.
SEO: Enter the focus keyword (if producer hasn't) and check if everything is OK with the story. Don't spend too long optimising
Main/Featured image: Is there one? Can we run it? Is all the admin done with it (caption, alt text, description, credit/sourcing).
Featured Media Settings: Has a caption and credit been added in the two boxes?
Mid-text media: Ensure compliance and always credit.
Caption Examples:
Opinions over the development plans are split, with some traders backing the development and others warning it would risk “pushing them out of the market”. CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Opinions over the development plans are split, with some traders backing the development and others warning it would risk “pushing them out of the market”. CREDIT: GEORGE NEGAS/CITY NEWS
Opinions over the development plans are split, with some traders backing the development and others warning it would risk “pushing them out of the market”. CREDIT: GEORGE NEGAS ON X
Opinions over the development plans are split, with some traders backing the development and others warning it would risk “pushing them out of the market”. CREDIT: TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL
Image size: Make sure all photos in the article are set to 'Large' and 'Centre'
Categories: Only one, as applicable
Topic: Multiple, as applicable. Remember to also use in Main Topic Selection.
Area: Is it appropriate? Use only for local stories (ie no need to tick Central and East and North and South London).
Select as many are required, but don't overdo it. If a story is about Hackney and Tower Hamlets and Newsham, east London will suffice.
Position: Where is the story showing up on the homepage? Is it a top story? Liaise with your Output Editor.
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:: Remember to move the Trello card to PUBLISHED when done.