Peer Editing

Peer Editing for the Short Story

To the Editor(s): Please write your name in the table. Please consider what kind of feedback you would like to receive and try to offer the same quality of feedback to your classmates. Follow the steps carefully, providing attention to detail to help the writer. Don’t limit yourself to this box: feel free to write in the body of the paper! Read the work slowly, putting checks by the more effective parts of it and putting question marks by the parts that are unclear to you. Circle any spelling or capitalization errors, and note any other mechanical problems by underlining or circling.

COMPLIMENTS:	Editor Name
General Reaction – 1.Read your classmate's short story thoroughly to understand its ideas. Write comments that address your first impressions about it. 2a. Does the plot make sense? Is it well organized? 3. Has it fulfilled the assignment of using historical fiction with three voices?	1. 2 3.
After reading the story, what are you thinking about? In other words, what has the author forced you to contemplate? (What’s the message that you come away with?)
Is the main character believable ? *What can the author add to make this character more believable? What elements or parts don't work with your expectations of the character? Are all the secondary characters all necessary? Explain. Please indicate where you might be confused about what characters are doing or saying. The writer will need to clarify this in their revision.
Consider the PLOT. Describe the main conflict. Does the story’s plot lead to a climax, or a point of no return? How has the main character been presented with obstacles? (Please describe.) How can this be made more effective? What could be added to make it clearer?
Comment on the author’s: Dialogue. Does it flow? Is it believable? Does it move the story forward? Check for punctuation and mechanics. Sensory imagery & description writing. You should always be clear on setting and what characters are doing or experiencing. You should feel like you are there! Is there enough of either? Too much? Do you find yourself in their story’s world?
Which parts of the story detract from the story? What is unnecessary?
Suggestions: Offer the writer at least two specific suggestions that might help him or her to improve the story. Think of questions you had while reading: Did it make sense? Were you able to follow along? Was the story developed? Did the ending get confusing or feel rushed? Are all parts developed with balance? Did you understand what the author’s point was? This part of the peer editing process is super important. Please really think about your suggestions. “It was perfect” or “Great!” are not suggestions. “Fix your grammar” or “Fix your sentences” isn’t really helpful. Be specific.	1 2