Editors love tip sheets because they're ready-made lists that require no extra work on the part of the reporter. Publications can simply reprint them verbatim. TV stations love them because they provide content for the short bulleted lists that are flashed on the screen and often accompany stories. Sometimes even editorial writers use the sheets as fodder for their editorials.

A tip sheet is a simple list of from six to a dozen tips that tell people how to do something-usually how to solve a particular problem. Examples:

 "7 Ways to Stay out of Jail When Doing Your Own Tax Return"
 "9 Ways to Ward Off Winter Colds"
 "11 Mistakes You Don't Want to Make When Hiring Your Children"
 "Tips for Winterproofing Your Home"
For more great advice on writing tip sheets, and why they are important, see Special Report # 16 "How to Write Tip Sheets That Catch the Media's Attention"