I recently got asked about my fact checking experience in an interview. I stammered through something, but haven’t gotten any at the newspapers that I’ve interned at and freelanced for. I’ve copy edited, but that’s mainly looking for typos and grammar mistakes.
1. Is there a set procedure for fact checking?
2. Are there resources: books or online to get the basics of fact checking?
3. I was asked how I would fact check music reviews and what I’d look for? I said names,instruments, song titles, release date and album name. I’m guessing sources would include press release, liner notes, PR person if needed and official band website?
Was I close?
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Yes, you were very close.
Yes, you were very close. You’d definitely want to check with the record company contact, in case the writer mentions an instrument he thinks he heard that isn’t included in the other material. You’d be surprised how many “geniuses” think they’re listening to a Fender Rhodes when it’s really a Korg.
There is always a set procedure at any reputable magazine. Once an author, whether freelance or in-house, has submitted an article, the top editor will give it a once-over for style, then transmit it to the fact-checker. The fact checker then prints out a hard copy and highlights all the verifiable facts, usually with a yellow marker.
Writers are supposed to send in any sources they used - be they taped interviews, other articles, Web sites, PR contacts, etc. - when the article is submitted. (If they do not, the story should be considered late and payment should either be reduced or withheld. Unfortunately, with each passing generation of editors, enforcement of this rule becomes more lax.)The fact-checker confirms as many facts as possible (sometimes there are TKs to be filled in later) and moves the corrected piece to the copy department. The article will usually come back to you in a laid-out form (meaning with pics, captions, graphics) one to three more times. The last time is the absolute last chance to make any changes and then it’s off to the printer.
As far as resources on how to do fact-checking, you might want to pick up Cynthia Brouse’s “After The Fact.” Also, if you can afford it, mediabistro’s Avant Guild gives you access to the transcripts of every fact-checking seminar they’ve held, but it’s pricey so don’t sign up just for that. The best place to really learn is at a magazine itself. If you’re outside NY, try a regional or hotel/airline magazine. If you’re in NY, any of the Wenner or Bonnier titles is a decent enough place to start. Life & Style over in Jersey too, which doesn’t have the meatiest subject matter but does have a very good research chief from whom you can learn a lot. Of course Conde Nast has a reputation (fairly or not) for having the strictest standards, but you’re not going to be able to just walk in out of school there.
Good luck!