Self-editing checklist

AIM THIS PAGE

1. Have you taken a short break before editing your story?
2. Does your story have a clear focus?
3. Is your lead supported by your material?
4. Have you given enough background?
5. Check for accuracy in these areas:
        * Locations/geography
        * Math
        * Names and titles
        * Spelling
        * Date/time references
6. Check for grammar in these areas:
        * Pronoun s/ antecedents
        * Improper prepositions
        * Noun-verb agreement
        * That/which
7. Check for punctuation:
        * Comma
        * Colon
        * Semicolon
        * Apostrophe
        * Dash
        * Hyphen
8. Check for AP and local style
9. Check for wordiness and usage problems:
        * Redundancies
        * Misused words and phrases
        * Unnecessary words and phrases
        * Mixed tenses
        * Gobbledygook and bureaucratese
10. Are your sentences too long? Readability slips after 25 words.
11. Are your quotes well-chosen? Check for:
        * Stutter quotes
        * Say-nothing quotes
        * Partial quotes
12. Check for balance and fairness:
        * Opportunity to respond
        * Explain unsuccessful efforts to reach sources
        * Use of anonymous sources

(Originally developed by Watson, Lou Ureneck and Jon Kellogg for the Portland Press Herald/ Maine Sunday Telegram)

wwatson@bsu.edu