Making the effort to promote good writing

By Cynthia Tucker

Although all newspaper editors are interested in good newspaper writing, it can be difficult for busy editors to pull away from the daily grind long enough to institute new procedures and practices that would promote that ideal. After all, the newspaper has to go out — with or without scintillating prose.

But it turns out that promoting good writing need not be difficult or costly. If you are looking for tips, consider the examples offered here.

The Providence (R.I.) Journal has a long established in-house newspaper contest, described in these pages by assistant city editor Elliot Krieger. The Austin (Texas) American-Statesman recently brought in a writing coach, The Poynter Institute’s Don Fry. Reporter Kelly Daniel describes her experience in one of his sessions.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does a little of each: the Metro and Lifestyle sections run in-house writing contests, and AJC Training Editor Mike Schwartz brings in distinguished newspaper writers to talk about the craft. Lifestyle writer Lyle Harris builds on those experiences to offer a reporter’s perspective to editors interested in encouraging good writing.

While any serious effort to promote good writing will require time and effort, it’s well worth the effort. Good writing, after all, helps to build credibility.

Cynthia Tucker is editorial page editor, The Atlanta Constitution and outgoing chair of ASNE’s Awards Board.