Tips for good writing

1. Be fair.Presenting all sides of a story is copping out.
2. Observe good taste.
3. Make the lead provocative and simple.
4. Sentence should be simple.
5. Quotes improve a story.Use them.
6. An important story need not be long.
7. Select adjectives carefully.Too many are dangerous.
8. Dont be impressed with an important assignment.
9. Go directly to the source on every story possible.
10.Leave no reasonable question unanswered.Do not assume readers know the background.And dont be afraid to write a good story you think readers already know.
11.Be polite,but do't be servile.
12.Get details.
13.Don't be afraid to try something that is not in the book.
14.Even if you have mastered the language,use short easy words.
15.Stories are improved by the injection of the time element.
16.After the lead,blend the story from paragraph to paragraph.
17.Don't insult a race,an ethnic group,a minority group or other separate entity.Identify when it adds information.The distintion is thin at times.
18.Don't abuse your privileges or the weapons of your industry.
19.Admit errors quickly and fully.
20.Name the source of your story when possible.If it is an expose from a confidential source,protect that source.

Source:Basic News Writing book written by Melvin Mencher