Regret the Error

This week marks the release of the US paperback edition of the Regret the Error book. Order your copy here.

In addition to a lower price, the paperback includes a new introduction by me and the best corrections and apologies of 2007-08.  We also corrected the errors identified in the hardcover. (Read and subscribe to my book corrections here.) Plus, the cover makes note of the fact that the book won the Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism from the National Press Club in Washington.

Free Accuracy Checklist

To celebrate the release of the paperback, I’m offering a free download of a special Regret the Error accuracy checklist. Reporters can use the checklist to help achieve accuracy in their work. Have a look:

Instructions

• Download the PDF file from Scribd.
• Print it off on a 4×6 piece of photo-quality paper. (Regular paper will also work.)
• Laminate it.
• Use a dry-erase marker (the finer the point, the better) to check off items as you complete them.

I recommend the photo paper, lamination and a dry erase marker because this process will enable you to use the same checklist over and over. Just keep it at your desk and reuse it for every story. Better yet, stick it to the corner of your monitor so it’s always in front of you. If photo paper/lamination isn’t your style, you can just print off a new checklist for each story. The laminated version is better because it saves time and paper, but it’s your choice.

This checklist is divided into four sections:

1. At the top is space to write the name of the story you’re working on. Underneath that are a few lines where you can list your sources for the story.
2. A section that lists a number of behaviors that will help you while reporting, such as “Ask sources to spell name & title.” Check off these items as you work on the story.
3. A section that lists ten different things to check when you’re finished writing the story. Again, check them of as you complete each task.
4. A section where you can write in story-specific items to check. For example, if a story contains medical terms and concepts, you would write them on these lines to make sure you check them before submitting the story.

Why a checklist?

Checklists help reporters and editors increase their level of accuracy. Checklists are also used in other industries and professions, such as medicine. Train yourself to use one, and you’ll make fewer factual errors. Seriously, it’s one of the easiest things a journalist can do to prevent factual errors.

This checklist is primarily aimed at reporters, but sections three and four could just as easily be used by editors. If you have any edits or suggestions for improving the checklist, please let me know. I’d also love to receive testimonials from people who use it.

Enjoy!

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