How to Improve a Cutline Editing

Cutlines look so short but… For that very reason, they often have a surprising number of mistakes. Editors ignore them, photographers may turn them in right before deadline and not double check info, or page designers have to write them right before deadline and don’t have all the information. So let’s look at what cutlines should include and some of the problems they often have so we can fix them.

Photos and cutlines need to work together to tell stories. There’s no need to waste words stating what the photo clearly shows. Before you start to write (or edit) the cutline, make a list of information the photo DOESN’T show (dates, times, background information, etc.). This can often be the second sentence of a cutline. Use complete sentences. The first is often present tense and the second is past tense to give your audience context or future tense to indicate what will happen next. Be sure to ID everyone as you would on first reference of a story, but avoid always starting with a person’s name.

Fact-check cutlines, too Are names correct and spelled right? (Incorrect names COULD mean a libel suit.) What about other factual errors? Question everything. Avoid trying to be “cute” – that can get you in big trouble.

As the copy editor, check: Numbers (addresses, ages, distances, money) Phone numbers (call them) All math (calculate again and have someone else do it, too) Names (check in reporter notes and directory) Titles (people’s IDs, books, etc.) Locations (logical? accurate? Check a map) Check attribution (insert link if from the web) Definitions URLs (do they still work?) Some editors CIRCLE all facts and then go back to check them. Others make the print much larger and read backwards to spot items that should always be checked.

As the copy editor, check: Spelling, grammar and style Spellchecker errors (their/there, it’s/its, homonyms) Assumptions? (If you can’t verify, remove) Doubts? Recheck with the photographers or original source. Tough topic you’re not sure you understand? (Find an expert who does and read it to him/her)