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Sports Journalism Book

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by randomhero423, Jan 5, 2009.

  1. Bullwinkle

    Bullwinkle Member

    Yeah, agreed. It did.

    But I think it might give the guy/gal an idea of what the industry is like. Then again, that's not what he/she was after now, was it?
     
  2. Stitch

    Stitch Active Member

    AP stylebook and start volunteering for the college paper as soon as you get there. Don't just stick with sports, but try news reporting.
     
  3. mike311gd

    mike311gd Active Member

    The constant moving to get a better gig, what some operations are like, going to assignments are just that -- assignments. He definitely nailed some great points. I just couldn't really get past "I did six stories on Monday and four more on Tuesday and seven on Wednesday because I wanted to go to the party. ..." Then his inch and word counts, too. (Did you ever wonder, "Is he capable of writing a concise piece?" or "What editor wants that much copy?" Because I certainly did.)

    I don't know. I wouldn't buy another one of his books -- at least not of this style. Like I said: It was good, and I'm glad I read it. But I don't think, even three years ago, this one I would have needed to read it.

    He's a very thorough reporter and not afraid of doing the work. That's a definite.
     
  4. 2muchcoffeeman

    2muchcoffeeman Well-Known Member

    Pond Scum And Vultures by Gene Wojciechowski.

    Good luck finding a copy.
     
  5. Cadet

    Cadet Guest

    Or, for a serious take, find out what college you want to go to, look up what sports-related classes they have and figure out the assigned texts for those courses.
     
  6. budcrew08

    budcrew08 Active Member

    I love that book... gets me all inspired and stuff...
     
  7. Smasher_Sloan

    Smasher_Sloan Active Member


    What luck? Go to half.com. There are currently 12 listings for it in all conditions and price ranges. It's as low as 75 cents (plus postage) up to $108.98.
     
  8. This one might be a little advanced for your taste, but if you want some inspiration, this will do it. The interviews are outstanding:

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    Some other books on the craft that have been beneficial to me:

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    http://www.depauw.edu/photos/PhotoDB_Repository/2008/2/James%20B%20Stewart%20Follow%
    20the%20Story.gif

    And anything on computer-assisted reporting in this day and age.

    Unfortunately, there's nothing out there that gives you the secret to developing sources deep inside an athletic department, or becoming your coach's go-to guy on stories. That you've just kind of got to figure out.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 15, 2014
  9. hankschu

    hankschu Member

    If I were a teacher and had one book I could assign to anyone trying to learn to write anything, it would be "Elements of Style" by Strunk & White.
     
  10. Bullwinkle

    Bullwinkle Member

  11. heyabbott

    heyabbott Well-Known Member

    Is that the FoxNews style book?
     
  12. micke77

    micke77 Member

    the plugs given for Steve Wilstein's book and David Halberstam's books are right on.
    both are outstanding, particularly Wilstein's.
    and the other day I was at a Dollar Tree and happened to find a Roger Kahn book titled "In My Own Words."..haven't had a chance to read it yet, but appears as if it gives tips on our profession, etc..if it's half as good as "Boys of Summer", it's a must-read.
     
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