Writing Coaches: Their Strategies for Improving Writing

Abstract

Teaching techniques and writing improvement ideas of newspaper writing coaches—writing teachers who work with experienced professionals—is examined. Of the many techniques used, the one writing coaches judge most effective is the time-honored individualized tutoring: sitting down with writers and discussing their writing problems. Writing flaws are identified, then coaches demonstrate ways articles can be rewritten. They edit copy, make suggestions, show examples and prescribe good reading that models the competencies writers most need to develop. Other methodologies such as seminars, workshops, newsletters and writers' lunches, are considered reinforcements to the primary technique of working individually with reporters. Coaches named the following as the most frequently needed competencies: organization, clarity, conciseness, writing for readers, news judgment, improving leads, creativity and writing narrative.