Read the entire story. Include what the story is about. Include the type of story (e.g., breaking news or feature). Summarize the story. Write the summary in one line. Include a specific subject and an active verb. Show how this particular story differs from others. Use headline style. Eliminate unnecessary words (e.g., a, an, the). Omit forms of the verb ‘to be’ (e.g., is, are, was, were). Use numerals. Abbreviate days of the week and months. Use present tense verbs (i.e., historical present tense). Use strong verbs but avoid commanding verbs. Follow a subject/verb-object structure. Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns. 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. Use names only when they're prominent and use only notable nicknames. Determine headline "fit." Use the correct form and length to ensure it fits into the given space on the page where it will appear. Use a headline designer to identify the layout and design as not to exceed the maximum character count for publishing. Eliminate, substitute or change focus entirely to lengthen or shorten a headline; ask these questions: What words could the headline live without and still make sense? What other words might convey the point equally well? Am I retaining the rules of headline writing style, such as using historical present tense and omitting articles?