Headline Writing Guidelines (2024)

Eliminate unnecessary words (i.e., a, an, the)

Omit forms of the verb ‘to be’ (is, are, was, were)

Use numerals

Abbreviate days of the week and months

Use present tense verbs, aka ‘historical present tense’

Use strong verbs but avoid commanding verbs

Follow a subject/verb-object structure

Only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized

Don't use a period at the end

Use single quotes to quote material

Use a comma as a substitute for "and"

Use specific details if they are available

Use only widely known acronyms and abbreviations

Only use names when they're prominent and use only notable nicknames