In writing for a local paper the following
rules have been found to be generally acceptable:
1. Type all material if possible. If
not, print it and be positive it is readable.
2. Double space all copy so the editor
can make changes without re- writing.
3. Use one and one half inch margins
on both sides.
4. Leave a minimum of two inches at
the top of the page. If there is a second page type
(more) and center it at the bottom of page one. Don't
try to put to much on a page. Head the 2nd. page "Masonic
News page 2."
5. The paper will write the headline
if there is one. Most articles are simply headlined
"Masonic".
6. In daily papers Masonic articles
are published in a special section and the section
is usually published on the same day each week. THE
DEADLINE IS usually several days in advance. Don't
be afraid to call and ask about deadlines and who
to send the article to.
7. Some papers do not use any pictures
that they do not take. Others will use your pictures.
Again, don't be afraid to ask.
8. If they want a picture they may call
and ask that the person contact the photographer at
the paper and set up an appointment. If the article
has a one person "star" it helps to add
a line at least two lines below your identifying information
such as - "If a picture, or more information,
is needed Mr. ___________'s phone number is__________.
9. Always include your Name, Address
and Phone number so they can call you if any question
arises. Never send anything to a paper without showing
the month, day and year you send it.
10. Some papers do not publish items
about meetings that have already occurred, unless
it is one where the information would not have been
available before the meeting such as an election.
11. Some events that could warrant a
story before the meeting would be Past Master Night,
Family night, Honesty and Integrity awards.
12. Keep the length of your article
to under 200 words, preferably under 150. For example,
a standard election item is less than 80 words.
