2. What is Peer Editing? A peer is someone your own age. Editing means making suggestions, comments, compliments, and changes to writing.  Peer editing means working with someone your own age – usually someone in your class – to help improve, revise, and edit his or her writing.

3. Why Peer Edit? Peer editing is an absolutely essential step in business writing; view it as a resource; ask readers to be tough and thoughtful. Business professionals don't always have time to solicit edits or responses from their peers on every piece of writing, but they will get several edits in advance on critical documents (such as proposals, audit reports, sales letters).

4. 3 Steps to Peer Editing There are three important steps to remember when you are peer editing another student’s writing. Step 1 – Compliments Step 2 – Suggestions Step 3 - Corrections

5. STEP 1 Compliments The first rule of peer editing is to STAY POSITIVE! Remember, you’re helping to change someone else’s work. Think about how you would feel if someone were telling you what needed to be improved in your own work…

6. STEP 1 Compliments Always start your peer editing with compliments! Tell the writer what you think he or she did well: I really loved your topic I think you used a lot of good details I liked when you used the word ______ My favorite part was ________ because… This was really fun to read because… I liked the way you_________…

7. STEP 2 Suggestions Making suggestions means giving the author some specific ideas about how to make his or her writing better. Remember – stay positive and be specific! Instead of, “It didn’t make sense,” say, “If you add more details after this sentence, it would be more clear.” Instead of, “Your word choice was boring,” say, “Instead of using the word good, maybe you can use the word exceptional.”

8. STEP 2 Suggestions Here are some areas that you may want to make suggestions about: Word choice – Did the author choose interesting words? Using details Organization – Can you understand what the author is trying to say? Is it in the correct sequence? Bold section headings; aligned with the guidelines Grammar/spelling Topic – Does the author stick to the topic or talk about other things that don’t really fit? Unity (font, writing styles need to project unity) Word – processed; same size and font throughout

9. STEP 2 Suggestions Here are some areas that you may want to make suggestions about: Avoid personal pronouns; this is a fact-filled report so instead of “I” or “My” refer anything you did as “the researcher…” Bold section headings; aligned with the guidelines Label all charts and tables Submitted in a report folder

10. STEP 3 Corrections The third step in the peer editing process is making corrections. Corrections means checking your peer’s paper for: Spelling mistakes Grammar mistakes Incomplete or run-on sentences Missing section content

11. Things to Remember… Stay positive – Try to make suggestions and corrections in a positive way. Be specific – Give the author specific ideas on how to improve his or her writing. Complete all 3 steps – compliments, suggestions, and corrections.

12. Now let’s try it! First, we’ll look at the company description. This section should include: Company name, location, & general summary of what the business does? Owned by? Type of ownership? Industry classification? Reasons for starting the business? Entrepreneurial opportunity that it presents?

13. Now let’s try it! Next, let’s look at your logo. Does your work: Show evidence of proper planning with respect to design elements/principles? (Consider use of color, lines, balance, etc.) Attract attention by using a simple, yet interesting design? Effectively represent the company image? Demonstrate originality and creativity?

14. Now let’s try it! Next, we’ll look at the product/service plan. This section should include: Definition and general type of work performed in this industry? Products or services provided? (in terms of features and benefits) Explain how the products (or services) will satisfy the needs and wants of various customer groups. Describe similar and competing products/services/ What sets your product/service apart? Explain materials/skills needed and how the products will be produced.

15. Now let’s try it! Next, we’ll look at the market analysis. This section should include: Outlook for this industry Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook Web site (http://www.bls.gov/oco) to research the future outlook of your business.http://www.bls.gov/oco Analysis of the competition Who are they? Are they successful? Why or why not? How are they advertising to reach their target audience? Analysis of target market Who is your target market? ( discuss customer profile in terms of geographics, psychographics, demographics) Is the market saturated with too many businesses similar to yours? Yes or No? Why? Are your customers willing to pay for your product(s) and/or service(s)? Why or why not?