An editor’s job is to improve the writing and be the writer’s best friend.

What you should look for: Structure Clarity Grammar and punctuation As you read, ask: Is this story the best it can be?

Critique with kindness but honesty. Writing’s hard Critique with kindness but honesty. Writing’s hard. Say something positive.

Make sure the story has: A headline A lede with news and facts—who, what, where and when. Direct quotes, written correctly. “My book came out in time for Black History Month,” said Clara Villarosa. No first name of subject (except first mention) and absolutely NO FIRST PERSON. Has a kicker or ending. (Doesn’t just stop or trail off.) Is double-spaced; has the person’s name. Point out grammatical errors.

Look out for incorrect quotations: Make sure quote mark is on the inside of punctuation, not the outside: Not: “I love coffee”, said Adam Reyes. Better: “I love coffee,” said Adam Reyes. And on second mention, he is Reyes NOT Adam.

Break up quotes into two parts: Not: “I love coffee. It helps me wake up in the morning, and I can hardly get through the day without it,” said Adam Reyes, 20. Better: “I love coffee,” said Adam Reyes, 20. “I can hardly get through the day without it.”

Lead-in to quotes – don’t string them together. Quotes function to support points you makes. Set up quote, like this: The app helps educators plan field trips. “When I was teaching, I spent so much time on the phone,” said Angela Choi. “It’s hard to find creative places to take students when you’re so busy.”

Be kind – point out grammatical errors! Run-on sentences Sentence fragments The “to be” verb – especially they horrible, terrible “there is,” “there are,” etc. Passive voice Repetition