Magazine Terminology

Masthead - The name and logo of the magazine. This is usually placed at the top of the front page and often includes an emblem or motto.

The Lead - The introductory paragraph of an article, usually written in bold or capitals.

Body copy - Refers to the text of your written articles, which should be produced as a printed presentation to accepted industry standards, e.g correct use of language, font size, word limits etc. Usually written in columns.

Serif font - Fonts like Times New Roman, or Baskerville Old Face, which have little bars (serifs) on the end of the letters.

Sans serif fonts - Fonts like Impact, or Agency FB, which do not have little bars on the end of the letters.

Drop Capitals - Really big letter that starts off an article.

Cross Head - Small sub heading used to split up a large block of text.

White Space - White parts of the page other than text or pictures.

Mode of address - How the magazine talks to the audience.

Sell lines - Text on the cover that helps to sell the magazine to the audience.

Banners - Text which stands out because its on a coloured background.

House Style - A magazines distinctive design that distinguishes it from its competitors.

Borders - The gaps at the edges of the page.

Gutters - The gaps between the columns of text.

Leading - The space between letters.

By-lines - Name of the person who wrote the article. Picture credits etc.

Anchorage - The way in which text helps to pin down the meaning of a picture and vise versa.

Redtop- A 'redtop' newspaper is one that has the title on a red background or a red masthead, for example, 'The Sun'. These are normally tabloid newspapers. Redtops easily distinguish the difference between tabloids and broadsheet newspapers, as the content differs greatly too.

Headline- This is the main statement or story, usually in a large and bold font describing a story. A banner headline with cover the full width of the page.

Pugs- These are at the top left and right hand corner of the page and are refered to as the ears of the page. These often include the price, a logo or promotion and are positioned to catch the readers eye.

Spread- A story that covers more than one page.

Standfirst- A paragraph normally written in bold at the start of a story giving details and a rough outline of the story to follow.

Strapline- An introductory headline below the main headline.

Tag- A word used to catch readers attention such as 'Exclusive'.

Sidebar- When a main feature has an additional box or tinted panel along the side of it, usually holding additional information on the story.

Secondary Lead- A picture or headline giving a sneak preview of a story you might fidn inside the paper or magazine.

Lure- A word or phrase directing the reader to look inside.

Feature- An item with Human-interest presented as an article or spread.

Box-out- A small part of the page shaded in a different colour.

Column- A vertical stack of text; also called a leg.

Copy Block- A small chunk of text accompanying a photo spread or introducing a special package.