Chuck’s Writing Checklist For NonFiction
Planning?
Why did I consider this topic?
Did I analyze my audience?
Did I analyze the targeted journal/magazine’s usual publications (if appropriate?)
What is the deadline? (How much other work do I have to do?)
Is there a special consideration, format, length, or word count?
Should I use a particular style manual for this manuscript?
Did I select a logical method of organization such as chronology, importance, or spatial order?
Did I shape the writing by finding the best way to organize the material?
Did I select the proper tone?
Do I have an Introduction, Body, and Summary?
Did I order ideas in a logical way?
Did I outline key points?Did I draft by writing my ideas in sentences and paragraphs?
Did I group similar ideas?
Did I revise my draft and rethink my ideas?
Did I remove anything that is illogical?
Did I cut unnecessary words, sentences, and paragraphs?
Did I rewrite confusing passages?
Did I reject nonessential ideas?
Did I edit and proof my writing?
Really…You need to print it out and read it!
Did I spell-check AND physically reread for errors in spelling?
Did I check for grammar errors?
Did I check for punctuation errors?
Did I check for capitalization errors?
Did I properly credit other people’s thoughts and writing?
Did I have somebody else proofread my work?