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8) Make sure names are spelled correctly
The single most important mistake is misspelling of names. Going to whatever length needed to see that names and titles are correct is important.
9) Look content from readers point of view:
Read story completely through first time, without marking or changing anything. Thats way reader is going to read story, and thats way copy editor should read it, too.
10) Look for answers:
When editing a story for first time, looking for answers to following questions is important:- Is this a complete story? Does it consist of important facts? Does it give all of necessary information to reader? Are quotes interesting? Any information or necessary quotations are missing? Does writer omit information on assumption that reader already knows it? Does story read smoothly? Does information flow from one paragraph to next? Do quotes add to and support previous information? Are facts and quotes in descending order of importance?
11) Make sure text is optimized for search engine rankings:
Check whether META tags (for description and keywords), Title tag and Image Alt tag have been used appropriately for website content. Your text should also contain main and related keywords/ phrases for your site. This will make audience find your site on Internet.
The basic processes, are much same for online documents and print media - checking for correctness (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), consistency of capitalization and other mechanics, accuracy of information, and completeness. Creating consistent text formatting, Checking consistency in visual design, Testing for proper working of website links, Knowledge of HTML and its application (when required) are additional responsibilities for an online editor.
Rumki Sen is the founder of Perfect Editing Solutions, www.perfectediting.com a professional firm providing Proofreading and Copyediting service to websites and online documents. It corrects and edits grammar, punctuation, spelling and more for mainly websites, letters, applications, CVs / resumes, advertisements, manuals, e-newsletters and e-mail messages. Contact Rumki Sen at rumki@perfectediting.com