In this article, we will tell you what we believe is required to write a successful, engaging magazine feature. I’m going to look at the subject, the market for which you are writing, how to assemble your material and plan your feature. Every good feature, deemed fit to publish in print or online, requires the following in chronological order:
- A clear and sharp focus relevant to the intended audience
- Research, which means top-quality material; sources, facts, times, dates, locations, consequences, and interview-based material with supportive quotes
- Drafting: A sketch or plan in which you list and prioritise your information, to gives the article impetus within a tight, logical structure
- Writing up: This is where you show your style and expertise.
As we said, if you have carried out quality research and planning, the writing up process should be straightforward. But here are some general guidelines:
Employ storytelling techniques to grab and hold the reader’s attention. Use a simple chronological narrative, where, when and why and to whom.
Don’t feel you need to include all your research material. You are not trying to impress people with the exhaustive nature of your enquiries. You must be your own editor and select only those quotes and facts that are engaging, revealing and above all relevant.
Get the balance of facts and quotes right but always try to emphasise the human interest. As with almost all areas of journalism, write in the active voice. Have the subjects of the feature ‘do’ things, rather than talk about what is done to them.
Do not oversell or misrepresent your case, even when the taking a partisan position. Accuracy is important and one demonstrable misrepresentation will undermined the credibility of the entire feature.
Avoid clichés (cutting edge, world-beating, revolutionary) and heart-on-your-sleeve or over-personal statements, a particular danger when writing up your conclusion.
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So what have we learnt?
Writing a good magazine feature can be boiled down to the following points:
Preparation
- Be clear about your subject
- Conduct relevant research
- Plan or draft with care
Writing
- Devise an engaging introduction
- Maintain a simple and logical structure
- Provide illuminating quotes and examples
- Draw a clear and positive conclusion.
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Article submitted by Signum copywriter and professional journalist Roger Wilkinson of Write and Proper
