How long are the paragraphs journalists usually write

You can build a bridge that your readers can easily walk over to get into your story. Or you can erect an obstacle that readers have to climb over to get into your story. But a great lead can be even shorter. This New York Times lead weighs in at just eight words:. Ann Wylie works with communicators who want to reach more readers and with organizations that want to get the word out.

To learn more about her training, consulting or writing and editing services, contact her at ann WylieComm. Most of the important paragraphs in this commentary are more than 25 words, as well they should be. Certainly, we should aim for fewer than 50 words, especially on the Internet and in emails. Great post, Ann! Good reminders, Ann. But sometimes, in the rush to write, a batch of copy starts out a little long-winded. The rule for mobile messages is new to me. Thanks for including that in the column, along with the handy memory aid.

Ann, thank you for these handy tips and reminders. Some examples include the following. Scene setting. Interview articles with famous people sometimes begin with a scene-setting few paragraphs that give the reader detail on how this person lives. Mostly the province of opinion writers, the first person lead paragraph puts the writer in the middle of the action. Typical examples include details on where they were when they heard big news that everyone else also heard at the same time.

The idea is that readers will relate. Contextual leads. A zinger lead works on occasion. Understanding how to start an article helps writers do a better job at attracting readers and retaining them — sometimes, even past the first paragraph. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions. Tony Rogers has an M. He has written and taught journalism for over 25 years.

Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Rogers, Tony. Writers on Writing: The Art of Paragraphing. Constructing News Stories with the Inverted Pyramid. Did Mrs. How to Use the Inverted Pyramid in Newswriting. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for ThoughtCo.