Knoxville News Sentinel Obituary: Cost & How To Submit

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

So, you're probably here because you need to publish an obituary in the Knoxville News Sentinel. I get it; it’s a tough time, and figuring out the details can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, I'm here to walk you through the process, focusing on understanding the costs involved and guiding you on submitting an obituary. Let's dive in and make this as straightforward as possible, alright?

Understanding the Costs of Obituaries

Let's get straight to the point, guys. The cost of an obituary in the Knoxville News Sentinel can vary quite a bit. Unlike the old days when obituaries were pretty much free, newspapers today usually charge by the word or line. Several factors influence the final price, and it’s good to be aware of these to avoid any surprises. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the length and any extras you decide to include.

  • Word Count or Lineage: Most newspapers, including the Knoxville News Sentinel, base their pricing on the length of the obituary. The longer the obituary, the more it will cost. Keep in mind that every word counts, including names, dates, and descriptions. If you're trying to keep costs down, being concise is key.
  • Inclusions: Adding photos, symbols, or specific formatting (like bolding or special fonts) can also increase the cost. These enhancements make the obituary stand out, but they come at a price. The Knoxville News Sentinel might have a standard fee for including a photograph, for example, which can add a significant amount to your total.
  • Day of the Week: Publishing the obituary on certain days, like Sundays, might incur higher charges. Newspapers often have different rates for different days due to varying readership levels. Ask the publication about their pricing structure for different days to make an informed decision.
  • Additional Online Presence: Besides the print version, many newspapers offer online obituaries, sometimes as part of the package and sometimes for an extra fee. The online version often allows for more multimedia content, such as photo galleries or videos, and can reach a broader audience. Make sure to clarify what the online posting includes and its duration.
  • Funeral Home Assistance: Often, funeral homes will handle the obituary submission as part of their services. They usually have a working relationship with the Knoxville News Sentinel and can provide guidance on crafting the obituary and understanding the associated costs. While this adds convenience, be sure to ask for a breakdown of the costs to understand what you're paying for.

To get an accurate estimate, contact the Knoxville News Sentinel directly. Their obituary department can provide a rate card and answer any specific questions you have about pricing. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification on any fees or charges you're unsure about.

How to Submit an Obituary to the Knoxville News Sentinel

Okay, now that we've covered the costs, let's talk about how to actually submit the obituary. The process is usually pretty straightforward, but it's essential to follow the guidelines to ensure your submission is accepted without any hiccups. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:

  1. Gather Information:

    • Before you start writing, collect all the necessary information about the deceased. This includes their full name, date of birth, date of death, place of death, and a list of their surviving family members (spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.).
    • Also, gather information about their life, such as their education, career, hobbies, and any significant accomplishments or contributions they made. This will help you create a meaningful and personalized obituary.

  2. Write the Obituary:

    • Start with an announcement of the death, including the deceased's name, age, and date of death. For example: "John Doe, age 85, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, at his home in Knoxville."
    • Follow this with a brief overview of their life, highlighting key moments and achievements. You might include details about their career, hobbies, and community involvement.
    • List the surviving family members by name. It's common to mention the spouse first, followed by children, grandchildren, and other close relatives. For example: "He is survived by his wife, Jane Doe; his children, Michael Doe and Susan Smith; and his grandchildren, Emily and David."
    • Include information about the funeral or memorial service. Provide the date, time, and location of the service. If the service is private, you can simply state that.
    • You can also include a request for donations to a specific charity in lieu of flowers. Be sure to provide the charity's name and address.
    • Keep the tone respectful and dignified. While it's okay to include personal anecdotes, avoid anything that could be considered controversial or offensive.

  3. Check the Knoxville News Sentinel Guidelines:

    • Before submitting, check the Knoxville News Sentinel's website or contact their obituary department to obtain their specific guidelines for submissions. These guidelines will outline any formatting requirements, word limits, and submission deadlines.
    • Pay close attention to the deadline, as obituaries typically need to be submitted several days before publication.

  4. Submit the Obituary:

    • The Knoxville News Sentinel typically accepts obituaries via email or through an online submission portal. Check their website for the specific submission method.
    • When submitting, be sure to include all the required information, such as your name, contact information, and billing address.
    • If you're submitting via email, attach the obituary as a Word document or plain text file. If you're using an online portal, simply copy and paste the obituary into the provided form.

  5. Proofread Carefully:

    • Before finalizing your submission, proofread the obituary carefully to check for any errors or typos. Ask a friend or family member to review it as well, as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes you might have missed.
    • Double-check all names, dates, and locations to ensure accuracy.

  6. Confirm and Pay:

    • After submitting the obituary, the Knoxville News Sentinel will typically send you a confirmation email or contact you to confirm the details and provide a cost estimate.
    • Review the cost estimate carefully and ask any questions you may have. Once you're satisfied, you'll need to provide payment information to finalize the submission.
    • The Knoxville News Sentinel usually accepts payment via credit card, check, or money order.

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary

Writing an obituary is more than just listing facts; it’s about honoring a life and sharing a story. Here are some tips to help you craft an obituary that truly captures the essence of the person you’re commemorating:

  • Highlight Unique Qualities: Instead of just stating facts, focus on what made the person special. Did they have a great sense of humor? Were they incredibly kind and generous? Share these qualities to paint a vivid picture.
  • Share Anecdotes: Including a short anecdote can bring the obituary to life. Think of a memorable story or event that showcases their personality or achievements.
  • Focus on Accomplishments: Highlight their significant accomplishments, whether they were professional, personal, or community-related. This could include awards, volunteer work, or special projects they were involved in.
  • Use Active Voice: Write in an active voice to make the obituary more engaging and readable. For example, instead of saying "The award was won by him," say "He won the award."
  • Keep it Concise: While it’s important to include meaningful details, keep the obituary concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly sentimental language.
  • Consider the Audience: Think about who will be reading the obituary. Tailor the language and tone to suit the audience, whether it’s family, friends, or the general public.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Obituary

Nobody's perfect, and when you are going through a difficult time, mistakes happen. But, to make this process easier, here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an obituary, guys.

  • Omitting Important Details: Make sure to include all essential information, such as the deceased's full name, date of birth, date of death, and surviving family members. Omitting these details can cause confusion and frustration for readers.
  • Using Vague Language: Avoid using vague or generic language that doesn't provide specific details about the person's life. Be specific and descriptive to create a more meaningful and memorable obituary.
  • Failing to Proofread: Proofread the obituary carefully to check for any errors or typos. Even small mistakes can detract from the overall impact of the obituary.
  • Being Too Sentimental: While it's okay to express emotions, avoid being overly sentimental or melodramatic. Keep the tone respectful and dignified.
  • Forgetting to Include Service Details: Be sure to include all relevant details about the funeral or memorial service, such as the date, time, and location. This information is essential for those who wish to attend.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it! Navigating the Knoxville News Sentinel obituary process doesn't have to be a headache. By understanding the costs involved and following the submission guidelines, you can ensure that your loved one is honored in a respectful and fitting manner. Take your time, gather the necessary information, and don't hesitate to reach out to the newspaper or funeral home for assistance. You got this!