The Talon Article Editing Guide for Editors

As an article editor for The Talon, your role is crucial in ensuring that every article is polished, professional, and aligned with The Talon’s standards. Editing requires attention to detail, a clear understanding of journalistic writing, and the ability to provide constructive feedback. This guide will walk you through every step of the editing process, including what to look for, how to format articles correctly, and how to leave effective comments.

1. First Read-Through: Understanding the Article

Before making any edits, read the article in its entirety to understand the writer’s intent, tone, and structure. Ask yourself:
✅ Is the article’s main idea clear?
✅ Does the story flow logically from beginning to end?
✅ Is the tone appropriate for journalistic writing?
✅ Are all sources properly credited?

Tip: Take quick notes on any major issues but avoid making changes yet. The goal of this first read is to get a sense of the article as a whole.

2. Structural and Content Editing

Once you've read the article, start by examining its overall structure and content clarity before moving on to finer details.

2.1. Headlines & Lead Paragraph

🔹 Headline:

• Is it concise, engaging, and informative?

• Does it reflect the content of the article accurately?

• Avoid clickbait or overly vague titles.

🔹 Lead Paragraph (First Paragraph):

• Does it hook the reader while summarizing the article’s main point?

• Is it clear and engaging?

• Avoid unnecessary background information in the lead.

2.2. Article Structure

✅ Are paragraphs structured logically with smooth transitions?
✅ Does the article follow the inverted pyramid format (most important info first, followed by details)?
✅ Are there any sections that feel repetitive or unnecessary?
✅ Does the article provide a balanced and objective perspective?

Common Issues to Fix:
❌ Long, rambling introductions—cut to the point.
❌ Lack of transitions between paragraphs—add bridging sentences.
❌ Unclear conclusions—make sure the ending wraps up the article effectively.

3. Formatting Guidelines

All articles should adhere to The Talon’s formatting standards for consistency and readability.

✅ Font & Spacing:

• Use size 12, Times New Roman or Arial (unless specified otherwise).

• Ensure 1.5 or double spacing for readability.

✅ Paragraphs:

• Each paragraph should be short and concise (3-5 sentences max).

• Avoid large blocks of text—break up sections for readability.

✅ Quotes:

• Each article requires three interviews with one quote per interview.

• Correct formatting for quotes:

  • Right: “This event is a great opportunity for students,” said Jane Doe, a sophomore.

  • Wrong: “This event is a great opportunity for students” said Jane Doe. (Missing comma before attribution)

✅ Attributions:

• Always include full name and title/grade on the first mention.

• Correct format:

  • Right: John Smith, the head of the science department, explained…

  • Wrong: Mr. Smith said… (Too informal, always use full names on first reference)

✅ Numbers & Dates:

• Spell out one through nine, use numerals for 10 and above.

• Write full dates: February 27, 2025 (not 27th February).

✅ Acronyms & Abbreviations:

• Spell out on first reference: The Associated Student Body (ASB).

✅ Oxford Comma:

• The Talon follows Oxford comma usage:

  • Right: The event featured music, food, and games.

  • Wrong: The event featured music, food and games.

4. Grammar & Style Editing

At this stage, focus on sentence clarity, grammar, and word choice.

✅ Common Grammar Issues to Fix:

• Subject-verb agreement errors: The team is (not The team are).

• Tense consistency: Make sure the article sticks to past or present tense consistently.

• Passive voice: Convert to active voice where possible.

  • Wrong: The event was attended by students.

  • Right: Students attended the event.

✅ Avoid Wordiness & Repetition

• Cut out unnecessary words:

  • Wrong: In order to → Right: To

  • Wrong: Due to the fact that → Right: Because

✅ Journalistic Tone

• Ensure the article remains neutral and factual (avoid opinions unless it’s an editorial).

5. Fact-Checking & Accuracy

🔹 Verify all names, titles, dates, and statistics before publication.
🔹 Ensure all claims are backed by a credible source.
🔹 If a fact seems questionable, ask the writer for their source.

6. Leaving Effective Comments for Writers

Good editing is not just about fixing mistakes—it’s about helping writers improve. When leaving comments:

✅ Be Specific: Instead of saying "This sentence is unclear," say "Consider rewording this to clarify who 'they' refers to."
✅ Explain Why: If you suggest removing a sentence, explain why it doesn’t work.
✅ Offer Solutions: If a transition is missing, suggest a sentence they could use.
✅ Balance Criticism with Encouragement: Point out what the writer did well, too!

Example of an Effective Comment:
🚫 “This paragraph is confusing.”
✅ “This paragraph has good information, but it jumps from one idea to another. Consider adding a transition sentence to connect these thoughts more smoothly.”

7. Final Proofread Before Submission

🔹 Check the final version for typos, spacing, and formatting errors.
🔹 Ensure the article meets word count requirements.
🔹 Confirm that all quotes, sources, and attributions are properly formatted.
🔹 Save & submit the final, edited version per The Talon’s submission guidelines.

8. Conclusion: What Makes a Great Editor?

A great editor:
✅ Enhances clarity and readability without changing the writer’s voice.
✅ Provides constructive feedback that helps the writer improve.
✅ Ensures accuracy, professionalism, and journalistic integrity.
✅ Works efficiently to meet The Talon’s deadlines and standards.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure that every article published in The Talon is well-written, engaging, and professional. Happy editing! 🎯