1. Writing E‐Newsletters:
Features
By Hoem Seiha
H/p: 012‐699‐553
Email: entrepconsulting@gmail.com

2. A feature, sometimes called feature story, is a type of
news articles intended for newsletter, newspapers,
magazines, or other online media. Unlike a hard news
story, a feature story has much more space to go in‐
depth, providing analyses, investigations and different
points of view from different sources. An effective
feature story should better run between 500‐2,500
words. (sometimes reach 5,000 for magazine)
Features

3. There are many kinds of feature stories. Here are some
popular types:
∗ Human Interest: The best‐known kind of feature story
is the human‐interest story that discusses issues
through the experiences of another.
∗ Profiles: A very common type of feature is the profile
that reveals an individual's character and lifestyle. The
profile exposes different facets of the subject so
readers will feel they know the person.
Types of Features (1)

4. ∗ How‐To: These articles help people learn by telling them
how to do something. The writer learns about the topic
through education, experience, research or interviews with
experts.
∗ Historical Features: These features commemorate
important dates in history or turning points in our social,
political and cultural development. They offer a useful
juxtaposition of then and now. Historical features take the
reader back to revisit an event and issues surrounding it. A
variation is the this date in history short feature, which
reminds people of significant events on a particular date.
Types of Features (2)

5. ∗ Seasonal Themes: Stories about holidays and the change of
seasons address matters at specific times of a year. For
instance, they cover life milestones, social, political and
cultural cycles, and business cycles.
∗ Behind the Scenes: Inside views of unusual occupations,
issues, and events give readers a feeling of penetrating the
inner circle or being a mouse in a corner. Readers like
feeling privy to unusual details and well kept secrets about
procedures or activities they might not ordinarily be
exposed to or allowed to participate in.
Types of Features (3)

6. Unlike the lead of a hard news story, a feature lead does
not necessarily summarize the overall content of the
story in a sentence. Feature lead:
∗ Can be delayed (delayed lead)
∗ Does not necessarily state the main point strait away
∗ Sometimes acts like a thesis statement of an essay
∗ Can be several paragraphs long
∗ Can be different types: descriptive, anecdotal,
narrative, mystery, teaser, and question
Lead

7. Sample: Feature Story

8. Practice: Identify Each
Paragraph & Its Function

9. Write a lead for a feature story.
∗ Topic 1: Your company’s survey shows clients’
satisfaction reach 95%.
∗ Topic 2: Your computer shop makes computer sales
60% (1,000 units) higher than last year.
∗ Topic 3: Your company’s success in a joint venture
with Korean company.
∗ Topic 4: An advantage of your organized tour to
Sihanouk on a national holiday.
Practice Writing: Lead

10. Write 2‐3 paragraphs containing one idea/point, followed by a
supporting detail, using the hints below.
∗ Hint 1: Your company’s survey shows clients’ satisfaction
reach 95%.
∗ Hint 2: Your computer shop makes computer sales 60%
(1,000 units) higher than last year.
∗ Hint 3: Your company’s success in a joint venture with
Korean company
∗ Hint 4: An advantage of your organized tour to Sihanouk
on a national holiday.
Practice Writing: Paragraph