Editing Leads

Some pointers:

1. Don’t change the lead unless you’re sure you’re improving it.

2. The most common problem with leads: They’re too fat. They often contain secondary details that could come a little later. Trim them, remembering that the information you cut may need to be re-inserted elsewhere.

3. Make sure the lead is explained and developed high in the story. Sometimes it helps to jot down a rough headline as you read a story for the first time. Now look back at the lead. If it doesn’t reflect the gist of your headline, you’ve got problems.

4. Past-tense leads REQUIRE a time element. If the time element isn’t important, consider changing the lead to present tense or writing it in such a way that the time element isn’t needed.
5. Make sure the body of a story supports the lead. Don’t allow a reporter to scream in the lead if the body of the story supports only a whimper.

6. Hard-news leads should get to the point. There’s no need to waltz around.

7. In most cases, the news should come first and the name (attribution) at the end of the lead sentence.

8. Good leads should “show,” not “tell.” Let the facts speak for themselves. If five people are killed in an accident, say so. It's not necessary to "tell" us a tragedy occurred. That’s apparent.

9. Is the lead fair? Is it supported by the rest of the story?

10. Is the local angle placed high enough in the story?

11. Don’t fiddle with a lead simply to impose a slight preference on your part. Be ready to defend any changes you make, both in the lead and elsewhere in the story. If you’re making major changes, get back to the reporter and talk about it.

ABOVE ALL: Don’t add problems to a story.