Michael McLeod, a journalist for 30 years, offered 10 ideas for editors to help their writers tackle the profile:

2. Consider listing things. That comes from great reporting.

3. Ask them about their dreams. He gave the example of a cellist-turned-drug-addict-turned-prostitute, who still owned her cello and had a dream that she was on a stage in front of a large audience and couldn't play it.

4. The obstacle and the opportunity are one in the same. A co-worker was troubled by a lack of quotes, but as she explained the story, she basically told it, which he kindly pointed out.

5. Love the contradictions. Comparing and contrasting can offer powerful insight into a person.

6. Be objective and make sure your voice is trustworthy to the reader. McLeod read an example of a hospital patient who was being visited by a magician and used the heart monitor to help tell about her emotions during the magic trick.

7. Follow the emotional pathway. Chart your own surprises during the interview.

8. Set the story up so the subject has a great final curtain. He used details of a moment to put a lovely quote into context.

9. Remind your reporters that they can't be soloists. With the web growing in importance, make sure they take advantage of resources such as capturing the subject in their element via video.

For a complete handout on McLeod's tips or to ask him questions, please e-mail him at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it