This 1926 news textbook has some surprising ‘tips’ on writing for women
Are women too fragile to play sport? Can female MPs wear hats? These are just some of the many questions that must be answered when writing for a female audience.
Esteemed journalist Sydney Moseley – best known as the first person to be broadcast on television – wrote down his tips for the ‘female interest’ in a 1926 journalism guide… and we couldn’t help but share some of his advice and article suggestions.
Some of his article suggestions seem ridiculous today – but serve to demonstrate culture at the time in which they were written.
Do women MPs have to wear hats? Discussion required.
Does golf turn women into mannish lesbians? An opinion piece begging to be written.
If there’s a plane crash, men want details; women want to know about the pilot’s love life.
Do you have any unsubstantiated gossip? Put in the gossip page, women love that!
No matter what women are interested in, they will want to read about children…
…just make sure you write it ‘simple’ for women brains (men might not have this ability)
Do women have the ‘brutal instinct’ needed to enjoy boxing?
Make sure you mention what people are wearing or the women will be upset…
But don’t worry men, you don’t have to put too much effort in.
Write about the theatre and celeb gossip. These are important women’s issues.
Are any women marrying a Muslim? On the gossip page it goes.
Confused? Don’t worry… sometimes women can even write ‘little stories’ too!