328 | WRITING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 2 5 Powe r f u l Te c h n i q u e s t o B o o s t Yo u r Co m m u n i t y I m p a c t

APPENDIX 8: Editing Checklist

Chapter 17, “Edit the big picture,” covers some basic things that your “critics,” while

playing the role of your intended readers, should watch for. I have incorporated

those ideas below and have added criteria that dig a bit deeper. You can copy this

Checklist and attach it as a cover sheet to any document that needs editing.

AUTHOR: Fill in these two blanks:

Th e purpose of the piece is to advance my organization's brand by: 1.

Th e piece aims to engage its specifi c intended readers, who are: 2.

EDITOR: Read through this checklist, and then mark the points that ring true to

you about this piece. Th ese general comments should accompany your line edits.

Th e piece is reader-centered, not writer-centered. ☐

Th e piece casts the organization or work in the best possible light and posi- ☐

tions it as vital to the community and the intended readers.

Th e piece includes all the information the readers need to know, but does not ☐

include unnecessary or distracting concepts.

Th e writer makes his/her points clearly. ☐

Th e piece fl ows nicely and/or the sequence and organization make sense. ☐

Th e “sound” (or tone) of the piece is consistent and appropriate. It can be ☐

described as:

Th e piece is easy to read and understand. ☐

Th e sentences and paragraphs are concise but not choppy. ☐

Th e piece is not abstract, but specifi c and intriguing. ☐

Th e piece is accessible to me and pulls me in. ☐

Th e piece starts out with a punchy opening. ☐

Appendix 8: Editing Checklist | 329

Th e writer lives up to the promise he/she makes at the beginning of the piece. ☐

Th e ending motivates me to act or to fi nd out more. ☐

Th e three most important points (especially, benefi ts) I am taking away are: ☐

1.

2.

3.

I felt ☐ after reading the piece.

My favorite part of the piece is: ☐

My least favorite part is: ☐

I want more examples or stories regarding: ☐

I would recommend this piece to others because: ☐

My additional specifi c suggestions for improvement include: ☐