EDITING CHECKLIST

Organization

Is the purpose of the document clear?
Is the purpose of each section clear?
Is the relationship among ideas clear?
Are the steps in a process clear?
Have you included all necessary information?

Language

Is every sentence clear?
Are any sections confusing?
Are there unnecessary words or details?
Are all words the simplest ones available?
Can jargon, technical terms, clichés or trendy expressions be removed or simplified?
Is there a clear definition for all technical terms or is there a glossary?

Tone

Is the tone respectful or is it negative or patronizing?
Is the tone suitably encouraging and positive?

Lists

Is the introduction to the list clear?
Is it clear which items are included on the list? Do they all belong?
Are lists clearly lined up with straight margins?
Is the punctuation consistent?

References

Have you acknowledged all sources used?

Punctuation

Is necessary punctuation there?
Are apostrophes in the correct places?
Is material from other sources in quotation marks?

Design and format

Does the cover engage the reader’s attention?
Does the cover inform the reader of the document’s purpose?
Is there enough white space to make reading easy?
Is the text size large enough?
Is the text visible and clear in the colours you have chosen?
Do the charts and diagrams emphasize and clarify the text?
Do the pictures relate to the meaning and/or purpose?