Checklist for Feature Stories

• Header on the page?

• Last Name, First Name; Period; Date (under INSERT HEADER - move to 3.5)

• No references to how you put the story together.
• No references to you, the writer, unless it’s an on the editorial page/or its a video/podcast.
• Is there at least one quote with a fully credited source?
• More than one paragraph - publishing paragraphs are smaller.
• Is this a human interest story? Does it appeal to the emotions? (What are they?)
• Does the feature story begin with an interest-arousing lead?
• Does the reporter make the purpose clear early in the story?
• Does the story have a lead, a body, and conclusion?
• Does the body add to the total facts and help carry the idea along logically?
• Does the conclusion tie up all the loose ends, giving finality to the article?
• Does the reporter use vivid words which add color and life to the story?
• Does the reporter use fresh, original figures of speech?
• Is the spelling and punctuation correct?
• Does the story have a catchy title?
• What suggestions can you make for improvement?