Editing and Proofreading Checklist

Use this checklist as a guide when you edit your writing. Also use it when you are ready to proofread your final draft.

Organization

Does my story have a beginning, middle, and an end?

Are all of my ideas arranged in a clear order?

Sentence Structure

Did I write clear and complete sentences?

Did I begin my sentences in different ways?

Style

Does my story flow smoothly?

Are my descriptions vivid and specific?

Mechanics

Does each sentence end with a punctuation mark?

Did I use commas in a series (Larry, Moe, and Curly)?

Did I place a comma before connecting words (and, but, or) in compound sentences?

Did I punctuate dialogue correctly? (Refer to dialogue format and short story format

handout.)

Did I start all my sentences with a capital letter?

Did I capitalize nouns that name specific people, places, and things?

Did I check my spelling? Did I use the spell checker on my computer?

Did I follow the short story format? (Refer to the short story format handout.)