IMPROVING CONTENT > CUTLINES

They're small, but they're mighty

Cutlines don't get enough respect, worries Kenny Irby of Poynter. He offers a few tips to help editors give them their due.

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Follow the readers' eyes

Eye-tracking studies show that cutlines get higher readership than story text, so make sure they're worth reading. Monica Moses, deputy managing editor/visuals for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, shares her ideas with Poynter readers.

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How would you write this cutline?

Try your hand at writing snappy captions with photos supplied by the Chicago Tribune.

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You saw the picture; now read the cutline

Photo captions give us one more chance to keep the reader's attention, so Jack Mulkey of the Daily Breeze in Torrance, Calif., suggests ways to take your best shot.

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Tools Of The Trade

Improving Content: Writing; Accuracy; Headlines; - Cutlines; Design & visuals; Editing tip gallery
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Teaching Resources: Usage & style exercises; Online exercises; Content editing exercises; Fact-checking exercises; Headline exercises; Design exercises; Interviewing & writing exercises; Math for journalists; Coaching & management exercises; More exercises & practices; Lighter side of editing; Courses online; Web & print resources; Edprof listserv; College press resources; High school resources