Deck
A deck is a key part of newspaper and magazine articles that appears right after the headline but before the main text. It's a brief summary, usually one or two sentences, that gives readers a quick preview of what the story is about. Think of it as a mini-introduction that helps readers decide if they want to read the full article. Some people also call it a "subhead" or "subtitle." In digital publishing, the deck is especially important because it often appears in search results and social media shares, helping to attract readers to the article.
Examples in Resumes
Wrote compelling decks and headlines for front-page stories that increased reader engagement
Edited deck copy for 20+ articles daily in fast-paced newsroom environment
Trained junior editors in writing effective decks and headlines for both print and digital platforms
Typical job title: "Copy Editors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Copy Editors
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle conflicts between SEO requirements and traditional deck writing principles?
Expected Answer: A senior editor should discuss balancing reader engagement with search engine visibility, explaining how to incorporate keywords naturally while maintaining journalistic quality and reader appeal.
Q: How would you train junior editors in deck writing?
Expected Answer: Should describe teaching methods, key principles of good deck writing, and how to adapt deck style for different types of articles and platforms (print vs. digital).
Mid Level Questions
Q: What makes a deck effective for both print and digital platforms?
Expected Answer: Should explain how decks need to be engaging, informative, and concise while serving different purposes in print and online formats.
Q: How do you write decks that work well for social media sharing?
Expected Answer: Should discuss techniques for making decks attention-grabbing while maintaining accuracy and journalistic integrity.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the key elements of a good deck?
Expected Answer: Should mention brevity, clarity, capturing reader interest, and providing key information without giving everything away.
Q: How long should a typical deck be?
Expected Answer: Should know that decks are usually one or two sentences, typically 10-30 words, and explain why keeping them concise is important.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic copywriting and editing
- Understanding of journalism principles
- Ability to summarize articles clearly
- Knowledge of basic AP style
Mid (2-5 years)
- Strong headline and deck writing
- Digital publishing platforms
- SEO basics for content
- Fast-paced editing
Senior (5+ years)
- Team leadership and training
- Editorial strategy development
- Cross-platform content optimization
- Editorial policy making
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poor grammar or spelling in writing samples
- Inability to meet tight deadlines
- Lack of attention to detail
- No understanding of digital publishing needs
Related Terms
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