1.

Ensure Accuracy
 Facts and Figures: Double-check all factual information, including names, dates, places,
statistics, and quotations. Verify sources and ensure that the information is correct and up-
to-date.
 Attribution: Ensure that all facts, statistics, or opinions are properly attributed to reliable
sources.

2. Review for Clarity

 Simplicity: Check that the article is written clearly and concisely. Complex ideas should be
broken down for easy understanding by the audience.
 Avoid Jargon: Ensure that the language used is appropriate for the target audience. If
technical terms are necessary, make sure they are explained.
 Logical Flow: Make sure the story follows a logical progression from the lead to the
conclusion. Check for smooth transitions between paragraphs.

3. Correct Grammar and Punctuation

 Grammar Check: Review the article for grammatical errors, ensuring subject-verb
agreement, correct tense usage, and proper sentence structure.
 Punctuation: Make sure punctuation marks are used appropriately (periods, commas,
quotation marks, etc.).
 Spelling: Correct any spelling mistakes and be consistent with names of people, places, and
organizations.

4. Style Consistency
 Journalistic Style: Ensure adherence to the publication's preferred style guide (e.g., AP Style,
Chicago Manual of Style). Consistency in things like dates, numbers, titles, and abbreviations
is crucial.
 Headline: The headline should be punchy, informative, and reflective of the article’s main
point. It must also adhere to the correct length and style.
 Use of Active Voice: Check that the article uses the active voice where appropriate, as it
tends to be more direct and engaging for readers.

5. Correct and Verify Quotes

 Quotation Accuracy: Ensure that quotes are accurate and reflect what the source said.
Recheck their placement in the context of the article to make sure they support the overall
message.
 Proper Attribution: Make sure all quotes are properly attributed to the correct speaker, and
confirm that all attributions are clear and free from ambiguity.

6. Structure and Balance

 Inverted Pyramid: Make sure the article follows the inverted pyramid structure, where the
most critical information is presented first, followed by supporting details.
 Lead: The lead or opening paragraph should grab attention, summarizing the most important
information of the story. Ensure that it is concise and compelling.
 Balance and Objectivity: Ensure that the article is fair and balanced, especially when
covering controversial issues. Check for unbiased language and the presentation of multiple
viewpoints.
7. Check for Redundancies
 Remove Unnecessary Words: Eliminate redundant phrases or unnecessary words that
clutter the article. Simplify the language to improve readability.
 Avoid Repetition: Check for repeated information and remove it, ensuring that every
sentence adds value to the story.

8. Ensure Proper Flow

 Transitions: Ensure that transitions between paragraphs and ideas are smooth and logical.
This helps keep readers engaged and ensures clarity.
 Conclusion: Verify that the article has a strong conclusion or ending that ties together the
main points without leaving the reader hanging.

9. Ethical Considerations
 Libel and Defamation: Watch out for any content that could be defamatory or libelous.
Ensure that accusations or negative statements about individuals or organizations are
properly backed by facts and sources.
 Privacy: Ensure that the article does not invade someone’s privacy unnecessarily or violate
ethical standards.
 Sensitivity: Check that the language and tone used are sensitive to diverse audiences and do
not contain any offensive or discriminatory content.

10. Double-Check Headlines, Subheadings, and

Captions
 Headlines: Make sure the headline accurately reflects the story’s content and is engaging.
 Subheadings: Subheadings should break the story into logical sections, helping guide the
reader.
 Captions: For photos or illustrations, captions should be concise and provide clear
explanations that complement the image.

11. Review for Length and Space

 Word Count: Ensure the article adheres to the assigned word count or length. If necessary,
trim unnecessary content while retaining essential information.
 Tight Editing: Shorten paragraphs or sentences where possible, focusing on clarity and
precision without losing the article’s meaning.

12. Proofread
 Final Proofreading: Before finalizing, proofread the article for any missed errors in spelling,
grammar, punctuation, or formatting. This step helps catch minor mistakes that might have
slipped through during the editing process.

Copy Reading Checklist:

  Are all facts, dates, names, and statistics accurate and verified?

 Is the article clear and free from jargon?

 Have grammar, spelling, and punctuation been checked?

 Is the article consistent with the style guide?

 Are quotes accurate, properly attributed, and essential to the story?

 Does the article follow a logical structure and flow?

 Is the lead engaging and concise?

 Are there unnecessary words, phrases, or redundancies?

 Is the article fair, balanced, and free from bias or defamation?

 Do headlines, subheadings, and captions enhance the story?

 Has the article been proofread for minor errors and formatting issues?

1. Ensure Accuracy
 Facts and Figures: Double-check all factual information, including names, dates, places,
statistics, and quotations. Verify sources and ensure that the information is correct and up-
to-date.
 Attribution: Ensure that all facts, statistics, or opinions are properly attributed to reliable
sources.

2. Review for Clarity

 Simplicity: Check that the article is written clearly and concisely. Complex ideas should be
broken down for easy understanding by the audience.
 Avoid Jargon: Ensure that the language used is appropriate for the target audience. If
technical terms are necessary, make sure they are explained.
 Logical Flow: Make sure the story follows a logical progression from the lead to the
conclusion. Check for smooth transitions between paragraphs.

3. Correct Grammar and Punctuation

 Grammar Check: Review the article for grammatical errors, ensuring subject-verb
agreement, correct tense usage, and proper sentence structure.
  Punctuation: Make sure punctuation marks are used appropriately (periods, commas,
quotation marks, etc.).
 Spelling: Correct any spelling mistakes and be consistent with names of people, places, and
organizations.

4. Style Consistency
 Journalistic Style: Ensure adherence to the publication's preferred style guide (e.g., AP Style,
Chicago Manual of Style). Consistency in things like dates, numbers, titles, and abbreviations
is crucial.
 Headline: The headline should be punchy, informative, and reflective of the article’s main
point. It must also adhere to the correct length and style.
 Use of Active Voice: Check that the article uses the active voice where appropriate, as it
tends to be more direct and engaging for readers.

5. Correct and Verify Quotes

 Quotation Accuracy: Ensure that quotes are accurate and reflect what the source said.
Recheck their placement in the context of the article to make sure they support the overall
message.
 Proper Attribution: Make sure all quotes are properly attributed to the correct speaker, and
confirm that all attributions are clear and free from ambiguity.

6. Structure and Balance

 Inverted Pyramid: Make sure the article follows the inverted pyramid structure, where the
most critical information is presented first, followed by supporting details.
 Lead: The lead or opening paragraph should grab attention, summarizing the most important
information of the story. Ensure that it is concise and compelling.
 Balance and Objectivity: Ensure that the article is fair and balanced, especially when
covering controversial issues. Check for unbiased language and the presentation of multiple
viewpoints.

7. Check for Redundancies

 Remove Unnecessary Words: Eliminate redundant phrases or unnecessary words that
clutter the article. Simplify the language to improve readability.
 Avoid Repetition: Check for repeated information and remove it, ensuring that every
sentence adds value to the story.

8. Ensure Proper Flow

 Transitions: Ensure that transitions between paragraphs and ideas are smooth and logical.
This helps keep readers engaged and ensures clarity.
 Conclusion: Verify that the article has a strong conclusion or ending that ties together the
main points without leaving the reader hanging.

9. Ethical Considerations
 Libel and Defamation: Watch out for any content that could be defamatory or libelous.
Ensure that accusations or negative statements about individuals or organizations are
properly backed by facts and sources.
  Privacy: Ensure that the article does not invade someone’s privacy unnecessarily or violate
ethical standards.
 Sensitivity: Check that the language and tone used are sensitive to diverse audiences and do
not contain any offensive or discriminatory content.

10. Double-Check Headlines, Subheadings, and

Captions
 Headlines: Make sure the headline accurately reflects the story’s content and is engaging.
 Subheadings: Subheadings should break the story into logical sections, helping guide the
reader.
 Captions: For photos or illustrations, captions should be concise and provide clear
explanations that complement the image.

11. Review for Length and Space

 Word Count: Ensure the article adheres to the assigned word count or length. If necessary,
trim unnecessary content while retaining essential information.
 Tight Editing: Shorten paragraphs or sentences where possible, focusing on clarity and
precision without losing the article’s meaning.

12. Proofread
 Final Proofreading: Before finalizing, proofread the article for any missed errors in spelling,
grammar, punctuation, or formatting. This step helps catch minor mistakes that might have
slipped through during the editing process.

Copy Reading Checklist:

 Are all facts, dates, names, and statistics accurate and verified?

 Is the article clear and free from jargon?

 Have grammar, spelling, and punctuation been checked?

 Is the article consistent with the style guide?

 Are quotes accurate, properly attributed, and essential to the story?

 Does the article follow a logical structure and flow?

 Is the lead engaging and concise?

 Are there unnecessary words, phrases, or redundancies?

 Is the article fair, balanced, and free from bias or defamation?

 Do headlines, subheadings, and captions enhance the story?

 Has the article been proofread for minor errors and formatting issues?