Regardless of the output media or type of communication, edits are necessary to communicators. It's how we learn, and how we grow in our profession. Good writers always seek out good editors because they know, deep down, it's the editor that makes them look good!

Three kinds of edits are common during a project. The developmental edit is usually first, then a technical edit of the content, and finally a copy edit before publishing. The following descriptions will help your reviewers understand what you expect from them

Developmental Edit

The developmental edit is usually done by other writers to check conformance to format and style standards, writing mechanics, organization, and scope of information. Here are some guidelines for the developmental editor:

• Have all areas required by standards and specifications been included?
• Is there any essential text or illustrations missing?
• Is there too much information in any section?
• Has the reader been clearly defined and considered throughout?
• Have ideas been expressed directly rather than implictly and indirectly?
• Is all material essential to the purpose of the document?
• Has material been organized logically?
• Have sections been fully developed?
• Has the passive voice been used unnecessarily?
• Have parallel ideas been expressed in parallel structures?
• Has analogy been used to bridge old and new information?
• Have the mechanical requirements of writing been met?

Technical Edit

The technical edit is accomplished by subject matter experts. While these editors may comment on manuscript mechanics, generally they should focus on the accuracy and completeness of information. Here are some simple guidelines for a technical edit:

• Is the information accurate?
• Is the information complete?
• Are illustrations used to enhance understanding?
• Is the material appropriate for the intended audience?
• Are technical terms used accurately and appropriately?
• Are references cited?

Copy Edit

The copy edit is the final step before publication. It ensures the document is ready for the audience and focuses on the mechanics of writing.

• Is all spelling correct?
• Are trademark and copyright notices used correctly and appropriately?
• Is publication information correct and complete?
• Is the style consistant and appropriate to the audience?
• Is punctuation correct?
• Is reading grade level appropriate to the audience?
• Does the format conform to established standards?
• Are lists, tables, and illustrations used to support the text?
• Are graphics consistant in style, and scope?
• Is the table of contents accurate and complete?
• Is the index accurate and complete?
• Are page numbers accurate?
• Do headers and footers conform to standards?