This proofing process is how we aim to ensure all our content is as good as it can be when we post it. The steps below are designed to help editors and anyone writing for the magazine understand our process.
This is where you discuss the initial idea (ideally with the relevant section editor) and work out what the most interesting angle and layout of the article. Some things you might want to consider:
Why is this a good time for this (why is it relevant now)?
Is this better suited to be posted online or the physical edition?
How do you keep people interested throughout the length of the article?
Who you might want to talk to, to learn more or to get a comment from?
Is there a similar article already in the pipeline?
This where editors will provide constructive feedback on the draft article to tighten up any areas that could be improved upon. Section editors will use the framework below as a loose guide to provide feedback on articles:
Grammar & Jargon - Is the article as readable as possible? (avoiding sentences that are too long, incorrect punctuation & too many specialist words that aren’t explained)
Flow - Is the article well structured, of appropriate length, and connect between elements well?
Interest & Relevance - Does the article keep the reader interested throughout the article? Are all the elements relevant and appropriate?
Accuracy & Sources -Is the article fair and accurate in how it represents an issue or topic? Are the quotes, facts and figures used from reliable sources (and can sources ideally be integrated into the sentences)?
Any other areas of note - is there anything else that you want to mention?
This is just a repeat of the step above to check any changes work with the criteria above.
The final proof occurs just before publication to check the article meets the criteria above, and determines which platform we publish the article on. It is undertaken by the Editor-In-Chief, Deputy Editors-In-Chief or Editors-At-Large of the magazine.
After proofing is completed, the article will be queued up for publishing online or in the physical magazine (according to where it fits best).