Editor’s Guide for Letters Please edit only the sections you’re being asked to edit!

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. Circle with “SP” any words which are not readable.

Editing for Organization Did the writer remember to single-space? If not, make a note to remind them. Did they write in the margin? If so, draw the margin line and write “margin” there. Did they include a return address (for business letters only)? If not, tell them, “You need to include a return address.”

Organization Continued Did they write on the back of the paper? If so, tell them this is not acceptable. Are they indenting paragraphs correctly (does not apply to block letters)? If not, use a paragraph symbol to show them what needs changed. Did they put “Dear pen pal,” against the left margin line? Did they sign “Sincerely,” at the bottom, followed by their name? Is it in the right place on the page?

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 (for example: wuzzup, cool, dude, lol or other texting terms).

Edit for Conventions Write SP over any misspelled words or SP? over words which might be misspelled. Use capitalization marks for any words which need capitalized and the lower-case mark for words which shouldn’t be capitalized. Put in the correct punctuation, using proofreading symbols, wherever necessary.

Edit for Voice What if the reader didn’t understand that this was an assignment? Did the writer ever talk about this assignment? If not, write a note suggesting that they consider their audience’s point of view. Did they make it sound like they were only doing this assignment because they had to for a class? If so, write a suggestion that they change such sentences, which might be taken the wrong way. Did they ever make assumptions about their audience that might not be true of the audience? (For example, did they write this letter as if the teacher was the only person who would read it?) If so, let them know that they have made incorrect assumptions. Did anything in the letter move you to laugh, cry, or gasp in awe? If so, let them know about your reactions in writing.

Edit for Ideas Read the body paragraph(s). What is the main idea behind the body paragraph(s). If their topic is just like everyone else’s, let them know by writing a sentence about that. If you know the author of the letter, and you can think of some of their unique qualities or unusual hobbies, make a suggestion about a better topic. Did the writer follow the teacher’s requirements for this letter assignment? If not, remind them about the letter’s requirements.