1/9/14 Short Story Editing # 2

*Remember, Final drafts are due on Monday, 1/13/14
Papers are a minimum of 4-7 pages, plus the additional reflection. Refer back to the rubric for specifics.


Short Story Peer Editing

Name of Author:                                                               Name of Editor:

This is day 2 of editing your short story.  You must work with a different partner than you had yesterday! Please carefully consider each question and write helpful comments both on this sheet and on the story. Remember that the creative process can be an intense experience and that sharing writing can make you feel vulnerable; tread carefully and constructively as you critique.

Mechanics:

Does story meet 4-7 page length requirement?                      Y         N

Is it Times New Roman, 12 point font?                                 Y         N

Is story double spaced?                                                        Y         N

Has story been thoroughly proofread?                                   Y         N

If no, please write general suggestions here as well as marking errors on the story:

Basic Short Story Requirements:

Does the story concentrate on a main character(s)?               Y         N

Is there a unified (i.e. single) narrative?                                  Y         N

Does story include elements of Plot?                                     Y         N

Does the plot make sense?  Is it satisfying (even in a disturbing way)?  Suggestions:

 Setting:                                                                    

Where is the story set?  How do you know?  Does the setting need more description?  Less?  

Suggestions?

 Conflict:                                                                          

What do you think the primary conflict is in this story:

Suggestions about other ways to develop this conflict? Or other conflicts the writer might include:

  Theme:                                                     

Remembering that themes can be elusive, take a stab at describing the theme of this story:

Is there anything the writer might do to continue to/better develop this theme:

Other Questions:

Is this story original and fresh (not trite or common)?           Y         N

If the story does not seem original in some places, list those places below and explain how the writer can change those sections to make them more original.

What point-of-view is the author using in this story? 

Does it seem to fit?  Is it consistent throughout the story?

What methods does the writer use to develop his or her characters? 

           

Are these successful?  What suggestions do you have?

If the author uses dialogue, does it sound natural?  Is it supposed to? What suggestions do you have?  Should they use dialogue?

How would you describe the author’s tone (attitude towards the characters, the story, the readers) throughout the piece?

 Is it an effective one? Why?

What three words would you use to describe this writer’s style?

 _______________                 _______________                ___________________

Any style tips?

Final comments or suggestions: