📖Magazine Writing and Editing Unit 8 – Profiles: Bringing Personalities to Life

What's a Profile Anyway?

• Profiles are in-depth journalistic pieces that explore the life, character, and experiences of a particular person
• Aim to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the subject's personality, motivations, and unique qualities
• Differ from biographies in their focus on capturing the essence of a person at a specific moment in time, rather than chronicling their entire life
• Often revolve around a central theme or angle that ties the subject's story together and makes it compelling to readers
• Can be written about a wide range of individuals, from public figures and celebrities to everyday people with extraordinary stories
• Require extensive research, interviews, and observation to create a well-rounded and authentic portrayal of the subject
• Employ narrative techniques, such as vivid descriptions, dialogue, and anecdotes, to engage readers and bring the subject to life on the page

Finding the Perfect Subject

• Look for individuals with unique experiences, accomplishments, or perspectives that will captivate readers
• Consider the relevance and timeliness of the subject's story in relation to current events, trends, or societal issues
• Seek out subjects who are willing to open up and share their stories, as their cooperation is essential for crafting a compelling profile
• Evaluate the potential for visual elements, such as photographs or illustrations, to enhance the profile and provide additional insight into the subject's life
• Assess the subject's availability and accessibility for interviews and observation, as limited access can hinder the depth and quality of the profile
• Consider the target audience and publication when selecting a subject to ensure the profile will resonate with readers
• Explore unconventional or overlooked subjects who may have fascinating stories that have yet to be told

Research and Prep: Digging Deep

• Conduct thorough background research on the subject, including their personal history, professional achievements, and any relevant context
  • Consult a variety of sources, such as news articles, books, and online databases, to gather comprehensive information
  • Verify the accuracy and credibility of the information obtained through research to ensure the profile is factually sound
• Identify key themes, events, or experiences in the subject's life that will serve as the foundation for the profile's narrative
• Prepare a list of open-ended questions that will guide the interview process and elicit meaningful responses from the subject
  • Tailor questions to the specific subject and their unique experiences, avoiding generic or superficial inquiries
  • Structure questions in a logical sequence that will allow the interview to flow naturally and cover all essential topics
• Familiarize yourself with the subject's work, accomplishments, or areas of expertise to demonstrate genuine interest and facilitate a more engaging interview
• Determine the most appropriate setting or location for the interview, considering factors such as the subject's comfort level and the potential for gathering additional insights through observation
• Secure necessary permissions, releases, or clearances for any materials or information that may be included in the profile, such as photographs or quotes from third parties

The Art of the Interview

• Establish rapport with the subject to create a comfortable and trusting environment that encourages open and honest communication
  • Begin with casual conversation or small talk to put the subject at ease and build a connection
  • Demonstrate genuine interest in the subject's story and experiences through active listening and attentive body language
• Ask open-ended questions that prompt the subject to share detailed anecdotes, reflections, and insights into their life and character
  • Avoid yes-or-no questions or leading questions that may elicit brief or superficial responses
  • Allow the subject ample time to respond to each question, resisting the urge to interrupt or rush the conversation
• Follow up on interesting or unexpected responses with probing questions that delve deeper into the subject's experiences and motivations
• Pay attention to the subject's nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, as these can provide valuable insights into their emotions and state of mind
• Take detailed notes during the interview, capturing key quotes, observations, and contextual details that will enrich the profile's narrative
• Be flexible and adaptable during the interview process, allowing the conversation to flow naturally and adjusting questions as needed based on the subject's responses
• Conclude the interview by thanking the subject for their time and openness, and discuss any necessary follow-up or fact-checking procedures

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

• Identify the central theme or angle that will serve as the backbone of the profile's narrative, tying together the various elements of the subject's story
• Develop a clear and engaging lead that hooks readers and sets the tone for the rest of the profile
  • Consider using a vivid anecdote, a revealing quote, or a thought-provoking question to draw readers in and pique their curiosity
  • Avoid clichéd or overly broad introductions that fail to capture the subject's unique qualities or experiences
• Structure the profile in a logical and coherent manner, using transitions to smoothly guide readers through the narrative
  • Employ a variety of pacing techniques, such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, or parallel storylines, to maintain reader interest and create a sense of depth
  • Use subheadings or section breaks to organize the profile into distinct themes or phases of the subject's life
• Incorporate quotes, anecdotes, and observations gathered during the interview and research process to bring the subject's story to life and provide a sense of authenticity
  • Balance direct quotes with paraphrased information and the writer's own observations to create a well-rounded and engaging narrative
  • Use dialogue to reveal the subject's personality, mannerisms, and unique voice, as well as to break up long passages of exposition
• Employ vivid and sensory language to create a strong sense of place, atmosphere, and character, immersing readers in the subject's world
• Conclude the profile with a satisfying and memorable ending that ties together the central themes and leaves readers with a lasting impression of the subject
  • Avoid abrupt or overly simplistic endings that fail to provide a sense of resolution or insight into the subject's story
  • Consider ending with a poignant quote, a reflective observation, or a look towards the subject's future to create a sense of closure and continuity

Bringing Characters to Life on Paper

• Use vivid descriptions to paint a clear picture of the subject's physical appearance, mannerisms, and unique qualities
  • Incorporate sensory details, such as the subject's voice, facial expressions, or body language, to create a strong sense of presence and personality
  • Avoid relying on generic or superficial descriptions that fail to capture the subject's essence or distinguish them from others
• Provide relevant background information and context to help readers understand the subject's motivations, challenges, and achievements
  • Explore the subject's upbringing, education, and formative experiences to shed light on their values, beliefs, and worldview
  • Discuss the subject's relationships, both personal and professional, to reveal the impact they have had on others and the role they play in the subject's life
• Use anecdotes and examples to illustrate the subject's character traits, quirks, and defining moments
  • Choose anecdotes that are representative of the subject's personality and experiences, rather than isolated or unrelated incidents
  • Provide sufficient context and detail to ensure readers can fully appreciate the significance and meaning behind each anecdote
• Incorporate the subject's own words and perspectives to create a sense of authenticity and allow their unique voice to shine through
  • Use direct quotes to convey the subject's thoughts, feelings, and opinions in their own words
  • Balance quotes with the writer's own observations and insights to provide a well-rounded portrayal of the subject
• Create a sense of empathy and connection between the subject and the reader by exploring universal themes and experiences
  • Highlight the subject's struggles, triumphs, and personal growth to create a sense of shared humanity and understanding
  • Avoid portraying the subject as one-dimensional or idealized, instead presenting a nuanced and realistic depiction of their character

Editing and Polishing Your Profile

• Review the profile for clarity, coherence, and logical flow, ensuring that the narrative is easy to follow and engaging throughout
  • Eliminate any unnecessary or redundant information that detracts from the central theme or storyline
  • Reorganize sections or paragraphs as needed to improve the overall structure and pacing of the profile
• Refine the language and style of the profile to ensure it is concise, vivid, and evocative
  • Eliminate any clichés, jargon, or overly complex language that may distract or confuse readers
  • Vary sentence structure and length to create a dynamic and engaging reading experience
• Verify the accuracy of all facts, quotes, and details included in the profile through thorough fact-checking and follow-up with sources
  • Confirm the spelling of names, dates, and other key information to avoid errors or inconsistencies
  • Ensure that any claims or assertions made in the profile are supported by reliable evidence or sources
• Proofread the profile for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, as well as any issues with formatting or style consistency
• Seek feedback from editors, colleagues, or beta readers to gain fresh perspectives and identify areas for improvement
  • Consider the target audience and publication when incorporating feedback, ensuring that the profile aligns with their expectations and interests
  • Be open to constructive criticism and willing to make revisions based on feedback, while still maintaining the integrity of your voice and vision
• Read the profile aloud to identify any awkward phrasing, repetition, or areas where the narrative falls flat
  • Make final adjustments to the profile's language and structure based on this auditory review, ensuring that it flows smoothly and engages readers from start to finish

Ethical Considerations in Profile Writing

• Obtain informed consent from the subject before conducting interviews or gathering information for the profile
  • Clearly explain the purpose, scope, and potential implications of the profile to the subject, ensuring they understand how their information will be used
  • Respect the subject's right to privacy and confidentiality, and honor any requests to keep certain information off the record
• Maintain objectivity and fairness throughout the research, interviewing, and writing process, avoiding bias or preconceived notions about the subject
  • Present a balanced and accurate portrayal of the subject, including both their strengths and weaknesses, successes and challenges
  • Avoid sensationalizing or exaggerating aspects of the subject's story for the sake of creating a more compelling narrative
• Verify the accuracy and credibility of all information included in the profile, and clearly distinguish between facts and opinions
  • Attribute quotes and information to their respective sources, and provide context for any statements that may be controversial or disputed
  • Avoid using anonymous sources unless absolutely necessary, and ensure that any anonymous information is properly vetted and corroborated
• Be transparent about any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may influence the profile's content or perspective
  • Disclose any personal or professional relationships with the subject or other sources that may affect the profile's objectivity
  • Avoid accepting gifts, favors, or other incentives from the subject or their associates that may compromise the integrity of the profile
• Consider the potential impact of the profile on the subject's life, reputation, and relationships, and weigh the public interest against the subject's right to privacy
  • Avoid including information that may cause undue harm or distress to the subject or their loved ones, unless it is essential to the public's understanding of the story
  • Be prepared to justify the inclusion of sensitive or controversial information, and ensure that it is presented in a fair and responsible manner
• Respect the intellectual property rights of others, and obtain necessary permissions for any materials used in the profile, such as photographs, quotes, or excerpts from other sources
• Adhere to the ethical guidelines and standards set forth by professional organizations, such as the Society of Professional Journalists or the American Society of Magazine Editors, to ensure the profile meets the highest standards of integrity and accountability