1. Please edit only the sections you’re being asked to edit!
Editor’s Guide
Please edit only the sections you’re being asked to edit!

2. Editing for Fluency To edit for fluency, you must READ OUT LOUD!
Begin when your teacher instructs you.
Add missing words if needed, using a caret.
Write “SP?” over any words which are not readable.

3. Editing for Organization
Does the text have a clearly stated thesis? If not, write a note asking them to clarify their thesis.
Do their body paragraphs follow the thesis? If not, let them know by writing a note of explanation.
Does their essay have a conclusion paragraph? In the conclusion, do they restate the thesis with a summary? If not, let them know.
How do margins look? If they have written in the margin, please let them know.
Did they write on the back? If so, tell them this is not acceptable.
Are they indenting paragraphs correctly? If not, use a symbol to show them what needs changed.
Does the text have a title? If not, remind them that they need a title.

4. Editing for Word Choice
If there are any sentences which are poorly worded or need clarification, indicate this with the letters “WC.”
If they have used slang terms, circle these and write “WC” over the circle.
Other than their thesis points, do they repeat any words, like “fun” or “awesome” or “favorite” or “best” too much? If so, tell them they need to change it up from time to time, so they’re not repetitious.

5. Edit for Conventions Write “SP” over any misspelled words.
Use capitalization marks for any words which need capitalized.
Put in the correct punctuation, using proofreading symbols wherever necessary.

6. Edit for Voice
Does the person ever copy from their outline or flowchart without using complete sentences? For example, do they ever have opening words like “This is my paragraph about dogs”? Tell them this sounds strange.
Do they ever say, “My thesis is …”? Let them know that this doesn’t sound right.
Did you laugh out loud at any part of the essay? Did any part of the essay make you want to cry? Did you ever smack your lips because the food they’re writing about sounds so yummy? Write a sentence at the end of the essay explaining how you felt as you read it.

7. Edit for Ideas and Content
Do you think this essay topic is rare or unusual?
Do you think a lot of other kids have probably written about this same topic or one very similar to it?
How might the writer be more creative in his/her approach?
Did the writer try to follow the assignment as it was given?
Do you believe the writer has chosen a topic that challenges himself/herself?
Make a comment about ideas and content.