How do you write a magazine article profile?
Here’s how to write a profile story, in eight easy-to-follow steps.
- Research your subject — a lot.
- Create questions that linger.
- Let your subject to do 90 percent of the talking.
- Record your interviews.
- Develop your angle.
- Find pull quotes that move the story.
- Tell the story.
- Check your facts (and check them again)
What is a profile article?
A profile is a written portrait of a person. Often, a profile is published as a narrative non-fiction article in a newspaper, magazine, or website. The story is based on facts discovered through research as well as interviews with the subject and their friends, family, or professional associates.
How do you pitch a profile piece?
Several editors (and former editors, including yours truly) have the following tips:
- Pitch a human being.
- Know who you’re pitching.
- Know which section you’re pitching.
- Pitch a story, not a topic.
- Be original.
- Write an excellent subject line.
- Don’t attach a full draft, even if you already have one written.
What makes a good profile story?
Profile features should include the major elements of hard news stories, but should also provide readers with details help to capture the essence of the person you are profiling. Contextual information should clearly show readers why the profile subject you have chosen is relevant and interesting.
What makes a great profile story?
What do profile stories focus?
A “profile feature” is a newspaper article that explores the background and character of a particular person (or group). The focus should be on a news angle or a single aspect of the subject’s personal or professional life.
What should be the focus of a profile feature article?
A “profile feature” is a newspaper article that explores the background and character of a particular person (or group). The focus should be on a news angle or a single aspect of the subject’s personal or professional life.
What does it mean to write a profile article?
A profile is a written portrait of a person. Often, a profile is published as a narrative non-fiction article in a newspaper, magazine, or website. The story is based on facts discovered through research as well as interviews with the subject and their friends, family, or professional associates.
How many people should you interview for a profile article?
Interview at least five other people, representing a variety of perspectives, about the subject of your profile. Ask them for telling anecdotes. You don’t have to quote, or even mention, all of these people in your article.
What’s the best way to write a profile essay?
Follow these 10 tips to learn how to write a profile: Read other profiles. To know how to write a profile essay, read how other writers do it. Find feature profiles in the New Yorker. You can also find personality profiles throughout The New York Times, particularly in the Sunday edition of the paper.