Editor’s Checklist

The following questions can be used when editing/proofreading your own paper or someone else's.

1. Is the thesis (main point) clear and stated in a way that no one could misunderstand your point?

2. Can the reader easily recognize the relationship between the thesis and each supporting point?

3. Is each point developed sufficiently or are some underdeveloped? Does the paper have a fully developed introduction and conclusion?

4. Is each sentence understandable on its own or from preceding sentences?

5. Can a reader recognize the main thought in each sentence?

6. Is every word used in a way that is consistent with one of its accepted definitions?

7. Is every sentence an independent clause (complete thought) with a complete subject and predicate?

8. Do all modifying (descriptive) words clearly indicate the elements they are modifying?

9. Are independent clauses joined properly in compound sentences by using connecting words (and, but, or, so, yet)?

10. Can a reader recognize the antecedents (words being referred to or substituted for) of all pronouns?

11. Are verb tenses used consistently (past, present, future)?

12. Do all verbs agree with their subjects (singular or plural)?

13. Are quotations punctuated and documented correctly?

14. Has some type of "spell check" been run on the paper?

15. Are there any extra spaces between words or paragraphs? Do you have any duplicate words?

16. What works especially well in this paper? What could be improved in this paper?