Frank Howard's Style Suggestions

When my father was a young man (in the 1950s) he became the editor of a small newspaper in Quebec. These are his style suggestions to a junior colleague at the paper.

1. use short sentences ---15 words

2. use short paragraphs--- 3-4 lines

3.drop articles when possible, but not if it is required for the sake of grammar

4. use full stop rather than semi-colon

5. avoid colon before a list of items whenever possible

6. keep lead brief and active---avoid use of passive---try to make the time element --"today"

7. avoid negative leads

8. avoid dependent clauses

9. avoid conjunctions at the start of sentences