In the preparation of copy, it is the invariable rule nowadays that
the typewriter be used. In the rush of the modern newspaper office time
is too precious to be wasted over handwritten manuscript. But on the
other hand, the copy can be as marked up and changed as is necessary,
so long as it is easily legible to the linotype operator when it comes
into his hands to be set into type for printing. The whole standard of
neatness and legibility in newspaper copy is set by that fact.
Thus, copy is always written double-spaced, with good wide white spaces
between the lines. Paragraphs are indented an inch or an inch and a
half, so as to be easily recognized as such by the operator. If a comma
is changed to a period, or contrariwise, that fact is made perfectly
evident on the copy, with no doubt about it. A small cross or a ring
with a dot in it is frequently used for a period. If a small letter
is to be capitalized, three short horizontal lines are drawn beneath
it, and if a capital letter is to be changed into a small letter,
an oblique line is to be drawn through it. A word to be struck out
altogether is not erased. Reporters haven’t time to traffic with rubber
erasers. The work is obliterated with a soft black pencil, however, so
there is no doubt in the mind of the operator if it is to go in or not.
If a numeral, 9, for instance, is to be written out in words, “nine,” a
ring is drawn around it, and the linotype operator will understand. The
same is true of abbreviations.
Only one side of the paper is used, and at the top of the first
sheet, wide space is left for the headline to be written in. If there
is more than one sheet, they are generally all pasted together in one
long string, so as not to get separated, although when a reporter has
to write his story at different times this is impossible and he then
writes at the bottom of his story “MORE” and at the top of the next
sheet “ADD 2 ELECTION RETURNS.” At the end of his story he generally
puts some symbol to indicate the close. It is very frequently a “30”
with a ring around it, which is simply the sign of “the end” in the
telegraph code.