A feature story template lays out the parts editors expect, in order: headline, optional subhead, byline, lede, nut graf, body with tips or steps, an expert quote, a close that says where to learn more, a photo with caption, and a word count target of roughly 450 to 700 words. This free template gives guidance and a sample line for each part. Download it as Word or plain text.
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Book a call with ToddThe parts of a feature story
Work through these in order. The sample lines use [Company] and [Name] as stand-ins, and a home-ready-for-winter topic.
- Headline. Say what the reader will get, in plain words, with only the first word and names capitalized. Lead with the benefit or the season, not the company name. Example: Get your home ready for winter before the first cold snap
- Subhead (optional). One line that adds a detail the headline could not hold. Skip it if the headline already does the job. Example: Simple checks around the house now can head off bigger repairs later.
- Byline or credit line. Put the byline or credit line the publisher uses, usually the writer or the provider. If the expert is named, name them only in the text. Example: By [Writer's name]
- Lede. One or two short sentences that open with the reader's problem or the season. No company name, no sales pitch. Example: Most winter home problems start in the fall, when nobody is thinking about them.
- Nut graf. The paragraph that says why the story matters now and what the reader will learn. Name your expert here and say why they are worth hearing. Example: The good news is that most of the work is simple. Here is where to look, according to [Name], [title] at [Company].
- Body: tips, steps or explanation. Give the reader the advice itself. Use short paragraphs, and use subheads or bold lead-ins if there are several steps. Keep every claim something you can stand behind. Example: Check the doors and windows. Run your hand around each frame on a breezy day. If you feel moving air, there is a gap.
- Expert quote. One quote from your expert that gives an opinion or a habit, not a slogan. Put the full name and title in the sentence around it. Example: "A short walk around the house with a notepad is the best way to catch small problems," says [Name].
- Close and where to learn more. End with one line that points the reader to more help. Apart from introducing your expert, this is the only place to name your company. Example: For more home-care tips, visit [Company]'s website.
- Photo and caption. Send at least one clear, original photo that shows the subject of the story, with a caption that says plainly what is in it. Make sure you have the right to use it. Example: Caption: A homeowner checks the weatherstripping around a front door. Photo credit: [photographer or source].
- Word count target. Aim for roughly 450 to 700 words. Publishers set their own limits, but a story in that range sits near the middle of what runs: about 580 words in our sample, as set out in how to write a feature story.
Download the template
Pick the format you prefer. Both hold the same parts, guidance and sample lines.
Word (.docx) · Plain text (.txt)
How to use it
- Pick one topic that helps readers, and one reason it matters now.
- Write the lede and the nut graf first. If you cannot say what the story offers in those two paragraphs, the topic is too broad.
- Fill in the body with advice the reader can act on. Do not stop to promote anything.
- Ask your expert for one quote that sounds like speech, and add their full name and title.
- Close with one line that says where to learn more. Name your company there. Apart from your expert's title, it should appear nowhere else.
- Read it aloud, cut anything that sounds like an ad, and check it against the writing guide.
Not sure what to write about? The story angle finder suggests dated angles for your industry and month.
What editors reject
- Stories that read like an ad, with the company named again and again.
- Superlatives and claims with nothing behind them.
- Health or money promises.
- Prices, discounts and calls to buy now.
- A lede that opens with the company and not the reader.
- Photos that are logos, blurry, or not yours to use.
Want it written for you?
NewsUSA has a journalist write the story, you approve every word, and it runs on 2,000+ US news sites within 30 days. Book a strategy call with Todd Simon to talk it through.
Questions
What should a feature story template include?
A headline, an optional subhead, a byline or credit line, a lede, a nut graf, a body of tips or steps, one expert quote, a close that says where to learn more, a photo with caption, and a word count target. This template covers each part with guidance and a sample line.
Can I edit the template?
Yes. It is free to download and change. Replace the placeholders with your own company, expert and topic, and delete any part you do not need, such as the subhead.
Is this the same as a press release template?
No. A press release announces something your company did. A feature story gives readers advice or an explanation and names the company only when it introduces an expert and in the close. The mat release vs press release page sets out the difference.
How this page was made
Template written by NewsUSA from general newsroom practice. NewsUSA figures (2,000+ US news sites within 30 days, live-only billing, the 2,637-site September 2026 campaign) come from NewsUSA and its campaign reports, which Todd Simon can show you on the call. How these guides are made.