This document provides guidance on editing content for the web. It discusses the differences between copy-editing and proofreading, with copy-editing focusing on the overall structure, logic, and flow, while proofreading examines spelling, grammar, and other details. The document also recommends making content concise, with catchy headlines and paragraphs, using subheadings, and formatting content in a scannable way to grab and keep readers' attention on the web. It suggests encouraging reader engagement and using tools like Grammarly and VeriGuide to check writing.

1. Editing for the Web
Learn
how
to
edit
your
online
wri0en
content
to
grab
–
and
keep
–
your
readers’
a0en9on!

2. This module will cover:
1. What is editing?
2. What makes editing for the web different?
3. How should we edit?
?

3. W HAT
is
e dit ing

4. Copy-editing vs Proofreading
What's the difference
What comes first

5. Copy-editing Proofreading
The overall picture... The details...
Would readers
like – and read
Would a mean
– this article?
grammar
teacher like
this article?

6. As an editor of a
youth or citizen media outlet,
what are YOU looking for?

7. accuracy objectivity /
balance
form/format
appropriateness
consistency
style
plagiarism &
content
sourcing

8. correct spelling,
grammar, punctuation
article covering both/all
& facts?
sides of an argument?
multiple quotes/opinions?
check length of article,
paragraphs, sentences
etc; title & sub- article appropriate for your
headings? outlet, your audience; &
tone appropriate?
article keeps consistent
format, style, tone, etc?
followed your outlet’s style
guidelines / AP style?
• no copy/paste
allowed here! (but
hyperlinks are) content logical &
interesting?

9. Copy-editing
overall logical?
structure focused?
good?
how is the
content?
consistent &
appropriate
interesting?
style, tone,
etc?

10. Proofreading
spellling? grammar
good?
check
details
are their
!punctuation? homonyms?
hyperlinks?

11. Citizen media editors normally need
to look out for all these things!
☺

12. Do you know @ny online tools
that can help you?

13. Online tools
To check for grammar, punctuation + more:
Grammarly
and to check for plagiarism:
VeriGuide
And many others. What do you need help with? What can you find?

14. What about online content?

15. Grab the reader’s attention!
Headline and first paragraph must be
snappy to draw the reader in.
Conciseness
Short headlines,
short paragraphs,
short sentences,
short everything!

16. Scannable & Navigable?
Subheadings are essential
• Think in blocks. Each paragraph must stand
semi-independently from each other.
• Try using bullets or lists.

17. Encourage the reader to
comment on, share, and
dig deeper into the article.

18. Eye-tracking technology shows
the general pattern to the way
people browse web-pages.
Here is an example of an article
RED = Most viewed
BLUE = Least viewed
Pattern generally is shaped like an
F

19. Consider creating your own editing checklist
The checklist should be a list of clear questions each
writer & editor needs to ask him/herself when
preparing an article for publication.
Q1:
Q2:
Q3:

20. Does the order matter?
A. ? D. ?
B. ? C. ?
C. ? A. ?
D. ? B. ?
E. ? E. ?

21. Thank you!
Please visit www.altcity.me to learn more about our work