When it comes to news, everyone loves a good celebrity story. Whether it’s about Jack and Dani from Love Island or Kanye and Drake, people want to know what their favourite celebrities are up to. That’s why so many magazines and websites are dedicated to celebrity gossip.
The top-selling newsstand magazines are devoted to the subject, as are many supermarket tabloids. Magazines with higher circulation such as Cosmopolitan and New York magazine feature celebrity news, too. A specialized form is the “profile feature,” a newspaper article that explores the background and character of a single person or group.
To write a profile feature, focus on a specific aspect of your subject’s life or career. Begin with a clear reason why the subject is newsworthy at this time, and build on that angle throughout the article. Include a variety of facts about the subject, including notable events, hobbies, awards and other accomplishments. Use quotes sparingly but wisely, balancing them with paraphrasing to maintain rhythm and credibility.
The subject of your profile feature should be able to speak for himself or herself in an interview. Be sure to contact the subject early and often, letting them know how important their participation is to your article. If sources don’t return your calls or notes, be politely persistent, explaining who you are and what you are writing about. If the person is too busy to talk, consider asking someone else to speak with them instead.