Editorial comments guide reporters toward clearer, more accurate stories without taking ownership through wholesale rewriting. Strong editors annotate systematically, flagging style violations, clarity issues, and structural problems while leaving actual revision to writers. The goal: 40 targeted comments that teach better writing habits.
Comment Categories
| Category | Tag | Example Comment |
|---|---|---|
| AP Style | [AP style:] | "Use numerals for ages. Change twenty-seven to 27." |
| Clarity | [Clarity:] | "Unclear which plan 'this' refers to. Specify." |
| Attribution | [Source:] | "How do we know costs will reach $50M? Add source." |
| Accuracy | [Verify:] | "Date seems wrong. Please confirm." |
| Structure | [Structure:] | "Consider moving this paragraph earlier for flow." |
3-Pass Review Method
| Pass | Focus | Typical Issues Found |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | AP style & mechanics | Numerals, abbreviations, punctuation (8-10 issues) |
| 2nd | Clarity & structure | Pronouns, paragraph length, transitions (10-15 issues) |
| 3rd | Accuracy & sourcing | Attribution, verification needs, inconsistencies (10-15 issues) |
Comment Template Examples
**AP Style:** [AP style: Spell out numbers under 10. Change "5" to "five."] **Clarity:** [Clarity: Who is "they" in this sentence? Specify subject.] **Attribution:** [Source: Previous attribution was 3 paragraphs ago. Remind readers this comes from the report.] **Verify:** [Verify: Internal inconsistency. Paragraph 2 says Tuesday; paragraph 8 says Wednesday.] **Structure:** [Structure: This sentence has 3 ideas. Consider breaking into separate sentences.]
Issues Worth Commenting On
- AP style violations (numerals, abbreviations, titles)
- Unclear references or ambiguous pronouns
- Missing or distant attribution
- Jargon or undefined acronyms
- Internal factual inconsistencies
- Missing context readers need
FAQ
Should I suggest revisions or just identify problems?
Both work. "Consider breaking into two sentences" suggests solution. "This is unclear" identifies problem. Solutions accelerate revision; problems teach independent thinking.
How do I avoid nitpicking?
Ask: Does this serve readers? Comment on errors that affect comprehension or credibility. Skip personal style preferences.
Can AI help with commenting?
Yes, River's Journalism Comment Tool adds 40 AP-style comments automatically, organized by category. Editors focus on complex judgment calls.