The Five Questions Your Editor Needs Answers to Before Diving into Your Project

Before diving into any editorial project, editors need time to review the work assigned and consult with you to ensure a mutual understanding of the scope of work.

Trust me: this conversation is well worth your time. Not only to ensure the editor and client are on the same page regarding the level of editing the project needs.  

But also to gain a rock-solid understanding of the publication’s purpose(s) and audience(s). 

This conversation helps ground the editor in an approach that will hit the right mark, strike the right tone, speak the right language, and engage your audience(s). It also helps ensure your publication will fulfill the intended purpose and objectives.   

Editorial Checklist  - The Five Questions 

QUESTION 1: What are the main purposes and objectives for your writing? 

What is the call to action you need to achieve? 

Sign up for the newsletter? Attend a conference? Write their senator? Engage with stakeholders? Apply best practices? 

What are the key takeaways to drive home?

QUESTION 2: Who are the primary and secondary audiences? 

Their interests and goals? 

Their level of education and knowledge on the subject?

How receptive are they likely to be to the information? What challenges might they be facing?

What is the lowest literacy level the publication needs to be written to?

QUESTION 3: What style conventions should be applied to your writing?  

Commonly used style guides include Government Printing Office, Associated Press, American Psychological Association, and Chicago Style Guide.

Does your company or funding agency have additional style guidelines to adhere to?

QUESTION 4: Are you aware of gaps or holes in your publication that require fact-checking or further research?

QUESTION 5: What do you not want the editor to do? 

Are there areas of the document that the editor should not touch, or where certain language cannot change?

Erring on the side of giving more (versus less) information to your editor benefits you, the editor, and your audiences. It helps the editor deliver SPOTLESS and SPOT ON work!