The document provides an editing checklist for reviewing written works, with criteria addressing whether the piece is reader-centered, positions the organization positively, flows well, is easy to read, and engages the intended audience. The checklist asks editors to mark which points ring true about the piece and provide general comments, as well as recommendations for improvement. It also prompts the author to identify the purpose and intended readers of the piece.

1. 328 | WRITING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 25 Power ful Techniques to Boost Your Communit y Impact
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:
1. The purpose of the piece is to advance my organization's brand by:
2. The piece aims to engage its specific intended readers, who are:
EDITOR: Read through this checklist, and then mark the points that ring true to
you about this piece. These general comments should accompany your line edits.
☐ The piece is reader-centered, not writer-centered.
☐ The piece casts the organization or work in the best possible light and posi-
tions it as vital to the community and the intended readers.
☐ The piece includes all the information the readers need to know, but does not
include unnecessary or distracting concepts.
☐ The writer makes his/her points clearly.
☐ The piece flows nicely and/or the sequence and organization make sense.
☐ The “sound” (or tone) of the piece is consistent and appropriate. It can be
described as:
☐ The piece is easy to read and understand.
☐ The sentences and paragraphs are concise but not choppy.
☐ The piece is not abstract, but specific and intriguing.
☐ The piece is accessible to me and pulls me in.
☐ The piece starts out with a punchy opening.

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☐ The writer lives up to the promise he/she makes at the beginning of the piece.
☐ The ending motivates me to act or to find out more.
☐ The three most important points (especially, benefits) 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 specific suggestions for improvement include: