This guide walks you step by step through writing an article for Shalom Dhwani. It is a practical companion to our News Writing Guide (our house style) and our Editorial & Content Policy (the standards every article must meet). To learn the editor screen itself, see How to Use the Editor.
1. Before You Write
First ask: is this newsworthy? Is it true, timely, and of interest to our readers? Then gather your facts — the Five Ws and one H: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Confirm names, dates, places, and numbers with a reliable source before you start writing. Good reporting is mostly good gathering.
2. Structure at a Glance — The Inverted Pyramid
Put the most important information first, then supporting details in descending order of importance. A reader should grasp the heart of the story from the first paragraph alone. For the full style rules — including the mandatory place-name dateline in bold — see the News Writing Guide.
3. Writing the Headline
A good headline is short, specific, and an honest reflection of the story. It should make the reader want to know more without overclaiming. Avoid clickbait and exaggeration — if the article does not deliver what the headline promises, you have misled the reader.
4. The Lead (Intro)
The first one or two sentences are the most important you will write. The lead should answer the key questions — usually what happened, who was involved, and where — in plain, direct language. Keep it tight: one strong idea, clearly stated.
5. The Body
Build the rest of the story in short paragraphs — one idea each. Use simple, clear sentences and connect them smoothly so the report flows. Add detail, background, and context as you go down. Avoid jargon; if a technical or theological term is unavoidable, explain it briefly.
6. Quotes & Testimonies
Quote people accurately and always say who is speaking. Direct quotes bring a story to life — use them for the words that matter most. When you report a testimony, a healing, or a miracle, attribute it (“____ testified that…”) rather than stating it as proven fact. This follows our Editorial Policy and actually makes the story more credible.
7. Scripture References
When you quote the Bible, give the exact book, chapter, and verse (for example, John 3:16) and be consistent about the translation you use. Double-check the reference — a wrong citation undermines trust.
8. Photos & Featured Image
A featured image is required for every article. Choose a clear, relevant photo that you have the right to use, and write an accurate caption. Get consent before publishing identifiable photos of people — and take special care with children and the vulnerable.
9. Permalink (Slug)
Set a clean, readable permalink — the last part of the web address. Keep it short and descriptive, using the main words of your story. The editor lets you customise this in the Permalink field; if your chosen slug is taken, it will suggest a free one. See How to Use the Editor for details.
10. Categories & Tags
Choose the category that best fits your story (this is required) — for example News, Articles, Editorial, Obituary, or Prayer Request. Add a few relevant tags if helpful, but do not overload the article with tags.
11. Self-Editing Checklist
Before you submit, read your article once more and check:
- Are all names, titles, dates, places, and numbers correct?
- Is the spelling and grammar clean?
- Is every major claim attributed to a source?
- Is the tone fair, balanced, and free of personal opinion (unless it is clearly an opinion piece)?
- Is the Bible reference exact?
- Do you have a title, permalink, category, and featured image?
12. Submitting Through the Editor
Submit your finished article through the online editor, filling in all required fields. After you submit, your article is held for editorial review and is published once approved. Do not worry if it does not appear immediately — this review protects accuracy and quality for everyone.
13. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reporting rumour or unconfirmed information as fact.
- Quotes or claims with no source attached.
- Mixing personal opinion into a news report.
- A misleading headline that the story does not support.
- Missing featured image or wrong category.
- Inaccurate or unchecked Bible references.
Shalom Dhwani — rooted in faith, committed to truth.
Also read: the Malayalam version of this guide — ഒരു വാർത്ത/ലേഖനം എങ്ങനെ എഴുതാം.