How to Format Articles for The Talon - A Step-by-Step Guide

Formatting your article correctly is crucial to ensure it meets The Talon’s submission standards. Follow these formatting guidelines carefully to make sure your article is ready for publication. This will help ensure that your piece looks polished and professional.

1. Font and Size

• Font: Times New Roman

• Font Size: 12-point
  Make sure you stick to this font and size throughout your article to maintain consistency with the publication's style.

2. Text Alignment

• Left Justification: All of the body text in your article should be left-aligned.
  This means there will be a straight left margin, and the right margin will remain uneven (ragged).
  Do not use full justification (where both sides of the text are aligned), as it can create awkward spacing.

3. Title and Byline

• Title: The title of your article should be centered at the top of the page. Use a clear, engaging title that summarizes the content of your article.

• Byline: Directly under the title, add your byline (your name). The byline should be centered, as well.
  Format it as:
  By [Your Full Name]

4. Paragraphs and Indentation

• Indentation: Every new paragraph should be indented by one tab (or roughly ½ inch).
  Do not add extra space between paragraphs—just use indentation to indicate the start of a new paragraph.

• Double-Spaced Paragraphs: Like all other documents, the body of your article should be written in Double spacing with only two spaces between sentences.

5. Citations and Sources

• Citations within the article: Whenever you reference someone, whether it's a quote or data, cite your sources in the following format:

  • "(First and Last Name, Grade Level or Teacher for Teacher)"
    Example:

    • “The new policy has affected our study habits,” said John Doe, 10th Grade Student.

    • “The students have responded well to the changes,” explained Mrs. Smith, English Teacher.

• Avoid Plagiarism: Be sure to properly credit all sources, whether they are people, books, articles, or websites.

6. Word Count

• Minimum Word Count: Your article must be over 300 words, excluding the title and byline.

• Check your word count: After completing your article, check that the content (not including the title or byline) is at least 300 words. Articles under 300 words will not be accepted.

7. No Vulgarity or Bias

• Vulgarity: Your article should be appropriate for a school setting, which means no vulgar language, offensive terms, or explicit content.

• Bias: Make sure your article is objective and balanced. Avoid showing a strong bias or personal opinion unless clearly labeled as an editorial piece.

8. Document Format for Submission

• When submitting your article, save it as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) or PDF file.

• Name your file clearly:
  Example: [YourName]_[ArticleTitle].docx
  This helps the editorial team quickly identify your article.

Sample Format Overview

Here’s a quick overview of how your formatted article should look:

Centered Title
By [Your Full Name]

First Paragraph (Indented):
This is the first paragraph of your article. Remember, start strong with a compelling lead. It should contain the most important information about your topic and answer key questions immediately.

Second Paragraph (Indented):
As you move into the body of your article, you can expand on the details of your story. Present facts, and quotes, and continue to explore the subject logically and clearly.

Third Paragraph (Indented):
Keep the information coming in descending order of importance. Use additional details, statistics, and evidence to back up the points you’re making.

Citation Example:
"Many students have voiced their concerns about the changes," said Jane Doe, 11th Grade Student.

Final Paragraph (Indented):
In your conclusion, wrap up your article, summarizing key points or providing your final take on the subject. Be sure not to introduce new information here.

Final Checklist Before Submission

1. Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.

2. Text Alignment: Left-aligned for body text, centered for the title and byline.

3. Title: Centered at the top of the page.

4. Byline: Centered beneath the title.

5. Double Spaced: Make Sure it is Double Spaced

6. Paragraphs: Indented at the start of each new paragraph (one tab).

7. Word Count: Ensure your article is over 300 words (excluding title and byline).

8. Citations: Properly formatted and accurate.

9. Proofreading: Double-check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

10. Check for Bias and Vulgarity: Ensure that your article adheres to the publication’s standards.

By following this guide, your article will be properly formatted and ready for submission to The Talon. Good luck, and happy writing!