lediting

Lediting is the practice of editing the lead, or lede, of a written piece, with emphasis on the opening paragraph or sentence that frames the story. While broader editing covers structure and style, lediting concentrates on the first impression a reader receives and on conveying essential information clearly.

Core objectives include summarizing the main facts (who, what, when, where, why, how) and presenting them in a concise, engaging way. Editors consider audience, format, and length, and tailor the lead to hard news, features, or digital storytelling.

Techniques involve verifying facts, removing ambiguity and redundancy, and ensuring the lead aligns with the body. In hard news, the inverted-pyramid approach places key details early; in features, a scene, anecdote, or strong hook may be used while maintaining accuracy.

Workflow typically starts with drafting the lead, followed by edits and fact-checking. Tools include word processors, style guides (AP, Chicago), and content management systems. Collaborative editing and version control help track changes as the story develops.

Lediting complements copyediting and structural editing and is adaptable to news, online articles, broadcasts, and blogs. Because the lead can change with new information, lediting is often iterative, balancing speed with accuracy and reader clarity.