Copyreading and Headline Writing - A copyreader needs a thorough knowledge of

What is Copyreading? the terminologies termed as lingo or jargon.

 It is a way of correcting or editing errors using  LIBELOUS STATEMENTS
symbols or marks. - Libel is a false publication damaging to a
 It gives the article the final touch before it goes person, property or business. It is a suit before a court
to the printer. that results from derogatory remark tending to degrade
a Copyreader MUST… character or reputation.
 Have a good command of the language What is a Slug Line?
 Have a wide vocabulary  It contains the family name of the copyreader,
 Be well-read the page number and the topic or the main idea
 Must have a storage of general and current of the article. The topic is NOT the headline. It is
information only composed of 1-2 words.
a Copyreader MUST NOT…  It is written on the upper left hand corner of the
 Change the style of the writer paper.
 Convert a news story into a feature story nor a *Note: The page number is written four times so that it
feature to an editorial can be easily seen by the printer.
 Add any information that can harm a person or What is a Printer’s Direction?
a property  It contains the column width (unit is ems,
Duties of the Copyreader usually 12 ems for a single column), size (unit is
 CHECK CONTENT. points, usually 8-10 points), font style (Times
- check facts; delete irrelevant or improper New Roman, Arial) , and kind or type of print
material; improve news value; expand or reduce copy; (Roman, Italic, Boldface).
guard against criticism on ethics and good taste; write  It is located below the slugline.
or check headlines; correct instances of “editorializing” Headline Count
 CHECK THE FORM.  CAPITALS
- correct errors in grammar, spelling, M, W - 2 UNITS
punctuation, usage, organization; make copy simple and I - ½ UNIT
clear; polish and improve the style of writing others - 1 ½ Units
 MARK COPY FOR THE PRINTER.  LOWERCASE
- indicate corrections by using accepted m, w - 1 ½ units
symbols; re-type copy when the marks are too f, l, i, t, j - ½ unit
congested and difficult to follow; indicate printer’s other letters - 1 unit
direction; write the headlines  OTHER MARKS
Points for Correction . - ½ unit
 ERRORS IN FACT. single quote - ½ unit
- This refers to the correct names, exact figures, numbers except 1 – 1 unit
real address, right numbers, true identity, etc. number 1 - ½ unit.
 GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. Space between words – 1 unit
- Blunders in grammar must be avoided. A * Note that there is a rule called +2 and -2 in headline
copyreader must be aware of the rules and exceptions. writing. So for example, when it is -2, 32-2 =30 and in
 STRUCTURAL ERRORS. +2, 32+2 =34. Therefore, the total unit count of a
- This has to do with sentence structure. headline should only be from 30- 34.
 SPELLING.
- Misspelling the name of a person is murdering
the person himself. It is also damaging to the readers
when you publish a misspelled word.
 REDUNDANCY/ WORDINESS
- Wordiness is a blunder and at the same time a
waste of space in the newspaper. Expressions like
recently and lately, finally and in conclusion should be
avoided.
 JARGON OR TECHNICAL TERMS