Generate bylines and datelines
AI creates properly formatted bylines and datelines for your news stories.
Generate bylines and datelines
River's Byline and Dateline Generator creates properly formatted bylines and datelines for news stories following AP style. You provide author names, publication, and optional location, and the AI writes correct formats for single authors, multiple authors, and datelines with proper capitalization, punctuation, and structure. Whether you're filing breaking news or features, you get professional formatting that follows journalism standards.
Unlike guessing at punctuation, we apply specific journalism rules. The AI understands byline formats (single vs multiple authors, publication inclusion), dateline conventions (all caps city, state abbreviations, AP style), proper punctuation (commas, dashes, parentheses), and creates clean, publication-ready formatting. You get bylines and datelines ready to paste at the top of your stories.
This tool is perfect for reporters filing stories, freelancers submitting work, editors ensuring consistency, and journalists learning AP style. If you're uncertain about proper byline or dateline format, or if you want consistency across publications, this tool helps. Use it for every story to ensure professional, standardized formatting from the first line.
What Makes Bylines and Datelines Proper
Bylines and datelines follow specific conventions establishing credibility and context. Proper bylines identify author clearly, include publication if freelancer or wire service, use consistent format across publication, and follow standard punctuation. Datelines establish where story was reported using all caps for city, AP-approved state abbreviations, proper punctuation, and placement before first paragraph. These aren't arbitrary. They're standards allowing readers to quickly understand who reported what from where. Consistency across journalism helps readers navigate news efficiently.
Byline formats vary by context. Staff writers use simple format (By Sarah Johnson). Freelancers include publication (By Sarah Johnson, The Daily News). Wire services include organization (By Sarah Johnson, Associated Press). Multiple authors use 'and' (By Sarah Johnson and Michael Chen). Special contributors note role (By Sarah Johnson, Special to The Daily News). Some publications use different formats. Follow your outlet's style guide, but AP style provides standard baseline when in doubt.
Datelines follow strict rules. City names appear in all caps. States use AP abbreviations (N.Y., not NY or New York). Some cities stand alone without states (NEW YORK, LOS ANGELES, BOSTON). Dateline appears before first paragraph, followed by dash and story start. Not all stories need datelines. Breaking news from specific locations needs them. Analysis or features often don't. Wire stories always include them. Local stories for local publications often omit them. The dateline answers: Where was this reporter when gathering information? Include it when location matters to credibility or context.
What You Get
Properly formatted byline for single or multiple authors
Dateline with correct city capitalization and state abbreviation
AP style punctuation and structure
Multiple format options for different contexts
Ready-to-paste formatting for story tops
How It Works
- 1Enter story detailsProvide author name(s), publication, and optional dateline location
- 2AI generates proper formatsOur AI creates correct byline and dateline in under 1 minute
- 3Review optionsRead format variations for different contexts
- 4Copy and pasteAdd formatted byline and dateline to top of your story
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I include a dateline?
When location is important to story credibility or context. Breaking news from specific places needs datelines. Wire stories need them. Features or analysis often don't. Local stories for local publications often omit them. Ask: Does knowing where I reported this matter to readers? If yes, include dateline. If location is obvious or irrelevant, skip it.
Should freelancers include publication in byline?
Usually yes, especially for wire services or syndicated work. Format: (By Sarah Johnson, The Daily News). This distinguishes freelance work from staff writing and gives appropriate credit. Follow the publication's preferences. Some want it, some don't. When submitting to multiple outlets, ask each editor.
What's the format for two or more authors?
Two authors: (By Sarah Johnson and Michael Chen). Three or more: (By Sarah Johnson, Michael Chen and Jane Smith) with commas between names. Last two joined by 'and' without comma before it in AP style. If from different publications, handle in publication's standard way (often note at end rather than in byline).
Do all city names need state abbreviations in datelines?
No. Some major cities stand alone: NEW YORK, LOS ANGELES, BOSTON, CHICAGO, MIAMI, etc. Check AP style for complete list. Smaller cities need state (ALBANY, N.Y.). Foreign cities use country (LONDON, England). When in doubt, include state. Clarity beats brevity.
Where does the dateline go in the story?
Immediately before first paragraph, followed by space-dash-space and then story text. Example: (NEW YORK — The mayor announced...). The dateline is not a separate line. It leads directly into story start. This standard format signals where reporting occurred.
What is River?
River is an AI-powered document editor that helps you write better, faster. With intelligent writing assistance, real-time collaboration, and powerful AI tools, River transforms how professionals create content.
AI-Powered Writing
Get intelligent suggestions and assistance as you write.
Professional Tools
Access specialized tools for any writing task.
Privacy-First
Your documents stay private and secure.
Ready to try Generate bylines and datelines?
Start using this tool in 60 seconds. No credit card required.
Generate Byline →