Assignment: Profile
Reporting and News Writing, Georgetown School of Continuing Studies
Whether they are a beat sweetener or just a good read, profiles are a staple of journalism. By zeroing in on a single person, reporters learn how to craft a relatable narrative that can inform and entertain readers.
The key to good profile writing is to keep at it. Whatever beat you’re on, always look for people with interesting stories to tell. As you learn how to write a good profile, you’ll develop habits that improve all of your writing.
Your goal for this assignment is to find someone with a good story, interview them (if you didn’t already for the previous assignment), talk to their friends and peers about what makes them tick, find those key turning points in their life and frame a compelling story about them.
You must not rely only on interviews with the profile subject for your reporting.
- Minimum of three sources, including subject
- Minimum of 550 words, maximum of 625
- Google News headline: 60 characters maximum, lead with keywords
- Google News summary: 160 characters maximum, include keywords
- Social media headline: 95 characters maximum
- Minimum of three links to relevant websites or previous news stories
- Written in AP Style
- Turned in by deadline
- Ready to publish
Don’t forget to use the generic story template!
Due date: Sept. 28. Rewrite due Oct. 5.
Write as much as you can.
As fast as you can.
Finish your shit.
Hit your deadlines.
Try very hard not to suck.
