An Editor’s Checklist

Begin by reading the person’s writing quickly and easily as a human being. Then, read the paper again more carefully and make constructive comments. Start with problems of content, then problems of form and finally problems of language.

Content:

• Does the writer have anything worth saying?

• Does he say it?

• Does the writer have enough specific information and support to convince the reader?

• What is the main point of the paper?

• Outline the draft by composing a sentence for each paragraph that summarizes what the paragraph is about.
  
   

            THESIS:

BODY OF PAPER:     Paragraph 1

                                                Paragraph 2

                                                Paragraph 3

            CONCLUSION:

• Where did you have trouble understanding what the writer wrote? Why?

• What parts were the clearest? Why?

Form:

• Does the internal structure or order stand up to critical reading?

• Does the beginning inform and entice the reader?

• Does the body develop the writer’s subject by defining her/his terms and documenting her/his points?

• Is there consistent tone throughout the piece of writing?

• Does the conclusion effectively summarize the paper and relate to the introduction?

Language:

• Is there a pleasing pattern of paragraphs that reinforces the writer’s meaning?

• Does each sentence carry the subject forward?

• Is each sentence as simple and direct as the subject and style allow?

• Is there a variety of sentence structure and length?

• Are there unnecessary words?

• Does the writer lean on verbs and nouns and avoid too many decorative adverbs and adjectives?

• Does the writer avoid the passive voice when possible and avoid too many “to be” verbs?

• Is each word right—direct, accurate and honest?

Remember, the writer is a human being. Your job is neither to impress her/him with your cleverness nor earn her/his affection with false praise. What the writer needs is an honest, specific reaction with constructive suggestions which are not directives but simply suggestions. You cannot tear apart a paper without helping to rebuild it a little as well. Everything you do should support the writer during her/his search for her/his own subject and voice. The paper, after all, belongs to the writer and not to you.